Robert H. Howell

Robert Herman Howell, 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 24, 2023. He was born in East Stroudsburg, PA, and just before age 4, his parents moved the family to Miami, FL because the ocean air was healing for Robert's asthma. They soon moved to Lake Worth, where he attended Lake Worth High School and Palm Beach Junior College. It was then that he met his soon-to-be wife, Gail. After receiving his AA, he attended the University of Florida and graduated in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. The next year, he married “his dear Gail” who would be his wife for 61 years.

Howell began his career as a draftsman, interning at Schmid & Associates in Palm Beach. He was soon working full time as a civil engineer, designing stormwater projects, oceanfront structures and agricultural land development projects. In 1962, he became a shareholder for the newly formed Hutcheon Engineers. For 40 years, he thoroughly enjoyed working with clients in both the public and private sectors, engineering everything from roads and bridges to sugar warehouses and drainage and irrigation systems for Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative, Big “B” Ranch, U.S. Sugar Corporation, South Florida Water Control District and many more. After Hutcheon Engineers merged with Kimley-Horn & Associates in 1983, Howell became Regional Manager for all of the Florida offices until his retirement in 1997.

Robert was a truly dedicated husband and loving father to his two girls, and was their biggest fan and supporter. Throughout his life, he gave his time and talents to many organizations including Rotary International, Salvation Army, Lake Worth Utilities Authority, City of Lake Worth Planning and Zoning Board, the Board of First Federal Savings and Loan Association and was Advisory Director of Great Western Bank. His faith was also evidenced through his service and attendance at First Congregational Church of Lake Worth and most recently at Lakeside Presbyterian Church in West Palm Beach where he served as an elder. His home was Florida where he enjoyed the ocean, boating and teaching others to water ski. However, he was also drawn to the mountains of North Carolina where he and Gail built their dream home on Mountain Air in Burnsville.

He loved tennis, photography, studying fine wines and listening to Strauss and Souza, which he learned to appreciate during his days playing the baritone horn in concert and marching band in his youth. Robert shared his love of hiking with a group of close friends, dubbed “The Trailway Boys,” who hiked much of the Appalachian Trail as well as scenic trails around the world. An incredibly generous giver, he was always going above and beyond to help many in need. With a true zest for life, he was known for his humorous quips and his hearty laugh that would light up any room. His faith in Jesus was incredibly important to him, and he was deeply grateful for his salvation.

Robert was predeceased by his parents Herman and Alice Howell and his brother Jack. He is survived by his wife Gail, daughters Vickie Farmer (William Jr.) and Sandra Howell, grandchildren Monica Bouwers (Devin) and Nicholas Farmer (Gwyneth), and four great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on November 5 at 1:30 p.m. at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 4601 South Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach.

Gifts in honor of Robert Howell may be sent to Lakeside Presbyterian Church in West Palm Beach or Salvation Army of Lake Worth.