John Pierson Howell

Visitation:  Saturday, July 10, 2021, 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., Grace United Methodist Church, 112 N. Walnut Street, Glenwood, Iowa.

Services:  Saturday, July 10, 2021, 2:00 P.M., Grace United Methodist Church, 112 N. Walnut Street, Glenwood, Iowa.

John Pierson Howell was born February 21, 1941 in the Village of Goshen, New York, the third child of parents Charles Baird Howell II and Cora Van Demark Howell. He died peacefully in his home July 4, 2021, at the age of 80 years, 4 months and 13 days.

He graduated from Middletown High School in 1959 where he enjoyed sports playing baseball and soccer. John went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1963 and a Master’s in Business Administration in 1965 from the University of Michigan. He was a devoted fan and supporter of Michigan Football holding season tickets for over 30 years and rarely missing a game.

John was married January 4, 1964 to Linda Braun, to this union, Charlie was born in 1967 and in 1971 they joyfully adopted Elizabeth. After this marriage had dissolved, John met Mary Poore Howell on a blind date and they were married September 26, 1992, adding her three children; Craig, Melanie and Julie to his family. It may seem like a non-traditional family from the outside, but John was passionately devoted to all his children, then grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

For over 40 years he designed computer software for hospitals and nursing homes, eventually as president of his own company Healthcare Information Services (H.I.S. for the Lord). He finished the last 14 years of his career as a consultant with ADL Data Systems out of New York, New York. And for 10 years he volunteered with SHIIP, helping people with their Medicare benefits.

In his leisure time, he loved music and to sing in the choir, joining his first at the age of 10. He delighted in attending concerts and events where his family was performing and the gospel Gaither Vocal Band, including a special one with Mark Lowry on Broadway. John was an adventurer who loved traveling on planes, ships, in his pickup camper, motorhome, 5th wheel or car. He saw many amazing things taking trips to Thailand, Bahamas, Hawaii and Alaska and exploring all through the continental United States. He had a delightful sense of humor and his eyes twinkled when he was on the verge of something. And most of all John loved preparing, cooking and trying new foods. He owned his own Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan and through the years he was involved in cooking at each of the churches where he was a member and stirring things up in his own kitchen. John participated in many spiritual retreats and was well known for his deep faith and love of Jesus and often proclaimed the important things in his life were faith, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marjorie Burnell and brother Charles Baird Howell III.

Survivors include: his loving wife Mary, children: Charles Baird (Sandi) Howell IV of Omaha, Nebraska; Elizabeth (Jerry) Birmingham of Saline, Michigan; stepchildren: Craig (Becky) Sell of Henderson, Nevada; Melanie (Tom) Zahller of Dothan, Alabama and Julie (Thom) Osnes of Wayne, Nebraska. Grandchildren: Chris, Marisa, Mitchell, Andrew, Katherine, Jared, Zachariah, Bethany, Paige, Jonah, Emma, Meg and Jack. Great Grandchildren: Jeremiah and Vivian. Many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

Interment to be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the family.