Bobby Lee Howell's Obituary
Bobby Lee Howell
July 23, 1930 – June 8, 2025
Bobby Lee Howell ("Bob"), 94, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025. He was born on July 23, 1930, in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, to Zelma Rose and Alfred Franklin.
Bob moved throughout Oklahoma, attending 15 different schools, before graduating from Tonkawa High School. Bob went on to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma, a proud Sooner for life. He served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps as a Radar Technician, achieving the rank of Corporal and earning the National Defense Service Medal. Bob built a distinguished career with IBM, where he spent decades applying his technical expertise with integrity and diligence.
Beyond his work, Bob was known for his generosity to his family, sharp wit, love of poker, and his "luck." You did not want to bet against him!
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Helen Janice Howell ("Chase" to her grandchildren), and his daughter, Kimberly W. Stokes, with whom he shared a special connection and who cared for him in his later years. He was a proud grandfather to Lindsey Mann (Colin), Andrew Stokes (Rachel), and Ashley Henley (DJ), who retain wonderful memories of ski trips to Crested Butte, fishing, hunting, as well as “everyday life” of dinners, errands and attending church together. Bob was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Rosalee and Kimberly Mann; Avery, Ellie, and Ansley Stokes; and Jackson, Hannah, and Abby Henley, who knew him fondly as "Papa".
His legacy lives on through the generations he helped shape. A private family gathering will be held to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a veterans’ organization or charity of your choice.
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