Robert Duane Howell

Robert Duane Howell, 93 of Lubbock, Texas passed away November 17, 2024, at Covenant Medical Center surrounded by loving family and friends. Born on September 11, 1931, in Levelland, Texas to Robert and Mearl Howell, Duane was the oldest of five boys. Growing up in a family that truly valued service he developed a servant’s heart at an early age. Duane was defined by a deep commitment to his faith, family, community, and service.

Duane had a deep and unwavering faith in God. As a devout Christian man, he lived out his faith with love, humility, and a strong commitment to serving others. Duane was an active member of McKenzie Terrace Baptist Church for over 60 years, where he served in many capacities including being a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. He and Ruth served as janitors for many years taking joy in having a beautiful place for all to worship. Duane’s teaching and love has spanned several generations with many of the church family still active in his life. His faith was a cornerstone for him, providing strength and guidance through life’s joys and challenges. He firmly believed in the power of prayer and the importance of showing compassion and kindness to all, following the teachings of Christ in everything he did.

Duane was married to his wife for 65 years and was proud of his two daughters who learned from him, how to love well. He showed his love not only towards his family but also to his neighbors and larger community. His love has shaped his daughters’ lives, and his legacy of caring has extended into their families. When family comes together, you can find them gathered around the table praying, playing domino games, laughing and telling stories because of his example. His commitment to family extended past his immediate family and was evident by his dedication to continuing the tradition of the annual family reunion that has been going on for 80 years. He loved his family and gathering every year.

Duane was a proud member of Lions Club International for 47 years during which he had perfect attendance. In 1975, Duane assembled a group of Lubbock Police Officers and chartered the Lubbock Law Enforcement Lions Club. Serving was a continuation of his strong sense to both family and community. Lion Duane was a true Lion. He often stated that he became a true Lion when he first visited Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville. He held many offices and was elected District Governor for the ‘87-‘88 Lions year. His ultimate recognition was his induction into the Texas Lions Club Hall of Fame in 2021. He continued to serve Lions Clubs at the local, district and state level for the remainder of his life.

A proud U.S. military veteran, Duane served in the Army during the Korean War. After his return from military service, he attended Wayland Baptist University. In 1955, Duane joined the Lubbock Police Department where he served for 31 years, 25 as a motorcycle police officer. After retirement from the Lubbock Police Department, Duane went to work for Shallowater Independent School District as a janitor and later a bus driver. He and Ruth drove the Band Bus for a number of years. In his later years, he drove and monitored the special needs bus for Honda Co-op. He developed a mutual love for all the students with whom he came in contact. Duane was respected not only for his expertise, but also for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering work ethic that kept him employed for 80 years.

He is survived by his brothers Aubrey (Jewel) of Shallowater, TX, Ray of Pensacola, FL, daughters Roberta Cooper Shoults (Don) of Murfreesboro, TN, and Feathers Murray (Kevin) of Lubbock, TX. Grandchildren Tori Rheinhart (Grant) of Jasper, IN, Joshua Cooper (Melanie) of Cookeville, TN, Hannah Meeks (Jeremiah) of Tryon, NC, Chelsea Sanfillippo (Flip) of Gallatin, TN, and Donna Hankins (Justin) of Woodbury, TN, fourteen greatgrandchildren, one great-great-grandson and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who were touched by his spirit. His family legacy included many more blood relatives but just as important to him was his family of the heart, Bruce and Brenda Wood, and their family of Lubbock. Duane was preceded in death by his loving wife Ruth, his parents, sister Pearl, and brothers David and Virgil.

Visitation will be held on November 21st at Resthaven Funeral Home in Lubbock from 5-7 PM. Celebration of Life will be held Friday, November 22nd at The Message Church 5502 Auburn, Lubbock, TX at 2 PM. Burial to follow in Resthaven Cemetery. The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating Duane's life and the many ways he made the world a better place.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Texas Lions Camp, 4100 San Antonio Hwy, Kerrville, TX 78028, Texas South Plains Honor Flight, PO Box 94787, Lubbock, TX. 79493, or Samaritan’s Purse, 901 Bamboo Rd, Boone, NC 29607 in Duane's memory, supporting the causes that meant the most to him.

Robert Duane Howell will be remembered not only for his military service, devotion to family, and contributions to the community but also for the profound impact of his faith, which inspired all who knew him. He will be greatly missed but forever remembered as someone who lived with purpose, love, and a deep trust in God.