John R. Howell

John R. “Jack” Howell, 83, of Sterling, VA, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, at The Adler Center for Caring. He was born in St. John’s, Michigan, the son of Horace and Margaret Howell. John was a carpenter who built the family home, a Navy veteran and a kind man who appreciated the simple things in life: his trusty Navy hat, a good book, assorted candy, black coffee and his antler deer cane. He loved crab cake sandwiches and trying to catch the flying shrimp at his favorite birthday restaurant Otani. Most of all, he cherished his time with others: joking with his friends, hanging with his niece Patty, having dinner with daughter Lori, bumming cigarettes from daughter Lisa, eating Korean with daughter Kimmy, going shooting with his son-in-law Rick and spending time with his youngest looking daughter, Karen. His grandchildren were special to him and he cherished his photos of them. John was tough but had a special place in his heart for pugs - especially Rex, Petunia, and Mr. Belvedere. He will be missed by many, possibly most by Rex, with whom he spent many afternoons in his later years. He is survived by four daughters, Lori, Lisa (Lin), Karen (Rick) and Kimmy (Peter); grandchildren, Jessica, Sean (Danielle), Shellia and Kida; great grandson, Donovan, and brother, Horace “Sonny”. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Keith; sister, Florence; and grandson, Ryan. A memorial service will be held at a later date.