Dear Mr. and Mrs. Howell,

I worked with and have been friends with Walter since he came to work in Chesapeake.  He was always helping others and easy to talk to.  Many times his words of wisdom kept me from shooting off at the mouth.  I am sorry I could not be there for your family today, but I was there in spirit.  He will be missed by me and I wish he was here so I could tell him what a great friend he has been.

The Past Grand Worthy Matrons' and
Past Grand Worthy Patron's Council
                Of
Eureka Grand Chapter, P.H.O.E.S., Inc., NYS

July 10, 2013

AN EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY

To: Past Grand Worthy Patron Walter H. Howell and Family

Thinking of you at this time of sorrow and hoping to ease some of our pain in the loss of your son, Kenneth.

May the love of God sustain you, the peace of God be with you, and the promise of God comforts you in this hour of sorrow.

Sorrowfully,
The Past Grand Council

Past Grand Worthy Matron, Rosemarie Day, Chairperson
Honorary Past Grand Patron, Solomon Wallace, Co-Chairperson
Past Grand Worthy Matron, Wilma Johnson, Cor. Secretary

It was my absolute privilege to have known Walter Howell.  
I remember very well the first day we met.  It was at J.B. Hunt's Corporate office in Lowell, Arkansas.  I needed help evaluating new programs and applications for our drivers and Walter had come highly recommended as someone that would be perfect for the project.  He waited patiently just to the side of my cubicle, a tall, quiet man with a poker face that could hold 4 aces and never crack a smile.  
 I would learn quickly that behind that steady look was a very thoughtful and wise man who listened carefully, observed everything completely and then spoke very effectively.  
Walter's strong character was undoubtedly reinforced by his consistency and authenticity.  Walter was real.  And the Walter I met that day nearly eight years ago is the same Walter that I talked to just eight days ago.
I could always count on Walter.  And I relied greatly on Walter.  His opinion never got in the way of his thoughtful and carefully considered ideas and suggestions.  But then again, his opinion was also well worth considering and I valued it more than I think he knew.  And so many of his ideas and suggestions resulted in changes to the way this program would work or this process would run.  Walter was wise and knowledgeable.  
I learned much from Walter.  Not just about how to make programs and applications and processes better – which he absolutely helped us do, but more importantly he showed me what it means to really listen and how to take enough time to learn everything you can about something before forming an opinion.  And maybe the best lesson was just how cool it is to be ….. real.
I want you to know that as much as I am able, from where I am and as much as I possibly can, I share in your sense of loss. 
Walter was more than a professional colleague and more than a trusted expert, Walter was my friend and I already miss being able to call him to hear about his week and to learn what he thinks about this that and whatever else we would end up chatting about.
I hope you also know that many of Walter's recommendations, suggestions and ideas will continue on and nearly every driver that works for J.B. Hunt will benefit from his careful and thoughtful consideration of how something is at first, his desire to want it to be better and his unique ability to confidently and effectively share those ideas so they could be implemented.
And even though I cannot call on Walter again, I will absolutely recall the advice he gave and the wisdom he imparted.  And I hope that I too will be able to carefully and completely consider how things work, that I will continue to desire that they could be better and that I will be able to communicate new ideas as effectively as Walter could.
Much like Walter, so much of what he suggested will continue on, consistently, silently, unassumingly… making things better for everyone else.  A fitting tribute to a very real man.
My thoughts and prayers with all of you and yours.
From a friend,

Dear Howell Family,
Words cannot express my sadness at the loss of my beloved friend and confidant. I had the priviledge of sharing Walter, a/k/a Kenny with you for over 50 years. He will always be in my heart.
My deepest condolences to all whose lives he touched and may you find comfort in remembering how much he loved his family and friends. I will always cherish the many memorable moments we shared, the long conversations, including some very heated debates followed by laugh marathons and strategy sessions on how "we" (really he) was going to fix it even when he wasn't feeling well. Walter had a cryptic sense of humor but was patient, kind, generous and hardworking. He was detail oriented but always up to new challenges and always busy with new projects and/or new gadgets. I will miss him..Until we meet again....Debbie

Although I can't be with you while you remember your loved one, you're in my thoughts from afar.

My prayers and condolences to the Howell family.  Walter was a wonderful friend and companion who always loved me "unconditionally".  He made a difference in my life and I will greatly miss him dearly.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Howell,
I knew Walter for many years as he worked with my ex-husband at TWA/Kennedy International.  We continued to see him even when he worked for J.B.Hunt as he would always visit us.  I just want you to know that anyone who knew Walter, knew him as a very, very GOOD man.  He had a heart of gold and was always so gentle and kind.  One of my fondest memories is how he would always cook HUGE delicious meals like lobster tails and a wonderful pasta dish.  I am so sorry for your loss.  To this day when a  yellow JB Hunt truck goes by, I try to see if he is the driver.  God Bless You.
Sharon L. Clark
Reading, PA

Dear Uncle Walter and Aunt Thelma,
Mom called me this morning about Kenny....WOW you could have knocked me over with a feather. Seeing Kenny's face this morning brought back so many great memories of all of the great times he, Linda and Sully and me had as kids boy what fun times we had on North Lloyd Street in Suffolk.  I always thought of Kenny as a great friend and cousin and my great protector (smile) There are no words of comfort that I can say to you and Aunt Thelma and the family except know that my family is praying for your peace and comfort now.  Mom (Dorothy Johnson )and Sully send their heartfelt condolences too.  My hubby and myself will make every effort to attend the funeral on Friday.   
Love you Jackie Green (Johnson)

Condolences to the family and friends of Walter Kenneth Howell.

Sincerely,

Larry Wallace, 33 Degree
Saint Albans, NY
Samson Lodge #65

To a great man and a great person overall. Was always willing to help and lend a hand no matter the situation. I enjoyed our conversations and you will be truly missed.

OBITUARY

Walter Kenneth Howell

12 October, 1948 – 5 July, 2013

Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville

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