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Herbert Kees Howell

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | September 30, 2017

Herbert Kees Howell, 89, of Elizabeth Township, died Saturday, September 30, 2017. He was born September 4, 1928 in Elizabeth Township and was the son of the late David and Sarah Jane Belsar Howell.

Herb was the only student in first grade at the Harmony One Room School, then went on to Wylie School, and then graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1946. During his junior year of high school he left at 1pm and worked until 10 pm during World War II at Jones and Laughlin Steel in Port Vue. Herb was a member of the PA National Guard Unit “Pittsburgh” during the Korean War.

In 1946, Herb would start his own business as a bricklayer, the business would grow over the years to become Howell Marble, Mantel and Stone Company and in 1995 would become Howell Craft, Inc., and is still located at 591 Simpson-Howell Road with 12 employees. He was a member of Central Highland Community United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the planning committee for the new addition of the church, was past president of the administrative board and was also a Sunday school teacher. He was past president and a lifetime member of the Central Volunteer Fire Company.

Herb was involved in numerous groups and activities. He worked with the EF High School Vocational Co-Op Program training boys from age 16 and up. He was past president of the Central PTA, a former member of The Boys Club of McKeesport and was a charter member of the Elizabeth Township Planning Commission, serving for 10 years and was a past president. He was Elizabeth Township Commissioner for 10 years.

He served as Vice President and Chairman of Recreational Development for the Boston recreational area & boat dock, as well as being the Chairman of Recreational Division for McHenry Park. He was delegate to the National Convention in New York City for President Jimmy Carter.

Herb was a charter member and past President of the Central Lions club, where he received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. He was a member of the Mon-Yough Chamber of Commerce, the Elizabeth Township Historical Society, the Monument builders of North America, the Tri State Monument Builders, the Federation of Independent Businesses, the Elizabeth Township Senior Citizens and the Mon Valley Home Builders. He was a certified fireplace installer through the Wood and Heating Alliance.

Herb was a past president of the board of trustees of Round Hill Cemetery. He was former chairman and committee man for the Democratic Party of Elizabeth Township. Herb belonged to Stephen Bayard Lodge #526 F & AM, Elizabeth Chapter #418 O.E.S., the Syria Shriners, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Valley of Pittsburgh, and the Monongahela Elks Lodge #455. Herb enjoyed dancing, traveling and horseback riding. During Bi-centennial he traveled with the wagon train.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Caroline Carpenter Howell, daughters, Barbara Ann Sturni of Elizabeth Township, Diane Lynn (Jay) McCarty of Monongahela, Marilou K.(Robert) Scerrato of NJ & Fl, and Norma Jean (Brad) Burd of Elizabeth Township, grandchildren, Donald Charles(Sharon) McGowan, Jr., Jerry Jason Saputo, Kristy Lynn Saputo, Amanda Nicole (Brandon) Morris and Shane Thomas (Elise) Williams, and Lou and Kim Wilson, great-grandchildren, Sean and Makayla Saputo, Serena, Olivia and Bodi McGowan, Cecilia and Margaret Wilson and Alice Marie Williams, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Philip, Alonzo, and Lawrence Howell and sister, Beatrice Cunningham.

Friends are welcome Monday, October 2 and Tuesday October 3 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, Director. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, October 3 at 1:00 pm at the Central Highland Community Methodist Church (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). The Rev. Stephen Morse, will be officiating. Internment will follow at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church or Central Elizabeth Township Lions Club. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

Originally published September 30, 2017.

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