Charles Howard Howell

1918-2012

Pacific Grove ~ Charles Howard Howell died on Monday, April 30, in the company of his beloved wife, Betty. Charlie, as he was affectionately known, was born January 16, 1918 in Marietta, Ohio to Edward and Emma Lauer Howell. Orphaned by the time he was only three years old, Charlie spent most of his early years in the Washington County Children's Home, which was also a working dairy farm outside Marietta. Here he learned the ethic of working hard and also began his love affair with sports. At age sixteen, Charlie fled the Home to join his older brother who was living in town. Being under age, he was hauled into juvenile court where the judge determined that Charlie could remain with his brother if he promised to stay in school. Not only did he finish high school, as required, he went on to obtain his Bachelor’s degree and Ohio Teaching Credential from Marietta College where he also excelled in football, track and crew.

During W.W.II, Charlie joined the United States Navy, became a Chief Specialist in Rehab Physical Education and worked with rehabilitating injured Navy and Marine troops. It was at the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton, CA that he met Mary Elizabeth McIntyre, a beautiful WAVE, who also worked at the hospital. He married Betty in 1946 and, since this love of his life was a California girl, they decided to make their home on the West Coast rather than in the Mid West.

Charlie attended UC Berkeley to obtain his California Teaching Credential. His graduate work toward a Masters degree was interrupted by the birth of their first child and Charlie decided to accept a job teaching at Robert Down School in Pacific Grove thus beginning a teaching and coaching career that spanned 35 years. In 1952, he transferred to Pacific Grove High School where he taught algebra, math and physical education. He served as the high school’s athletic director from 1963 to 1982 overseeing the addition of a new gym, football stadium, tennis courts and pool to the campus.

Charlie was proud to be a champion of women’s athletics and PG High was the first school on the Central Coast to have co-ed physical education classes before the advent of Title IX. Charlie also conducted adult physical fitness classes for the PG Adult School and was a lifelong fitness buff often taking long walks along the Pacific Grove shoreline well into his eighties.

Charlie is undoubtedly most loved and revered for his role as “Coach”. While he had many winning seasons in his years as varsity and freshman football coach, and as lightweight basketball coach, he is probably more remembered for the way he touched his player’s lives instilling confidence, discipline and pride. He delighted in his later years to be greeted by former students and players whom he saw around town.

In addition to his long career in local education, Charlie was for many years on the organizing committee, and in 1975-76 was director, of the Physical Education and Coaching Workshops at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He was a former member of the Lions Club and the Elks. An active member of the parish of St. Mary’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Charlie served on its vestry and, in his retirement years, volunteered countless hours in the church’s thrift shop. He served on the Recreation Committee for the City of Pacific Grove for eight years and was instrumental in the addition of the Community Center to the City’s public buildings.

In addition to his adored wife of 66 years, Betty, he leaves his children: Charlene Howell Lowery (Mylo), Steve Howell (Kendra), Bobby Howell (Jolene) and Suzanne Howell Candela (Matt) as well as a daughter from his first marriage, Charlotte Binegar (Larry). His grandchildren, Garrett, Evan, Parker and Trevor are left with sweet memories of Charlie’s devotion to them. Charlie always put the welfare of his family first and took considerable pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He was always a strong presence who guided by example and with love.

Charlie’s family wishes to thank his longtime doctor, Gary Grant, MD, the staff of The Del Monte Residential Care and the team from Hospice of the Central Coast for making Charlie’s last days comfortable and dignified.

Following his wishes, a private family service will be held. If you would like to honor Charlie’s life, contributions to one of the following would be appreciated: The Breakers Club in care of Pacific Grove High School, 615 Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove, 93950; St. Mary’s by the Sea Episcopal Church, 146 Twelfth Street, Pacific Grove, 93950 or Hospice of the Central Coast, 2 Upper Ragsdale Drive, D-210, Monterey, 93940.