Del Lavar Howells

On Tuesday, February 16, 2016, our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Del LaVar Howells, died peacefully from complications of old age. Del was born May 29, 1927, in Paradise, Utah, a son of Bert Shaw and Hannah Richman Howells. He lived on the same corner in Paradise for his whole life, buying a home across the street from his childhood home after his marriage. He was educated in Paradise and graduated from South Cache High School. After his graduation he enlisted in the Navy and served in World War II. He was based out of Sasebo, Japan and served on the minesweeper USS Refresh. After being honorable discharged from the Navy, Del met his sweetheart, Carol Seamons Howells. Carol was employed by Sears Roebuck Company at the time, and Del was always proud to say he got her from the Sears Catalog! They were married March 19, 1948 in the Logan LDS Temple for time and all eternity and have enjoyed nearly 68 years of marriage. After their marriage, Del bought his dad’s farm in Avon. Together they farmed the land and operated a dairy farm in Paradise. They also raised four wonderful children: Janet (deceased), Rodney (deceased), Garth and Mark. Del was a very hard worker his whole life. In addition to farming, Del also worked for Le Grande Johnson as a heavy equipment operator for 14 years and drove a school bus for the Cache County School District for 34 years. He made many good friends while employed there and has kept those friendships alive since his retirement from the school bus in 2003. Del was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where he served in the scouts and High Priests. He was also a member of American Legion, the Paradise Lions Club for many years , Councilman for Paradise Town for 4 terms, and President of the Highline Canal Company for several years. Music always played a big part in Del’s life. He loved to sing and play the steel guitar. He and Carol sang together for many years at church and in civic functions. Carol would play the piano or organ and Del would play the guitar while they both sang. In the last few years, they recorded two music CDs of their favorite songs which have been enjoyed by many people and will be for many years to come. They also loved to dance, which may have contributed to Del’s knees wearing out! Del was pretty content never leaving Paradise, but Carol did talk him into several fun trips to Alaska and Nashville, Tennessee. While in Nashville he had the opportunity to sing at the Ryman Theater Stage where the Grand Ole Opry was originally held. Del especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He and Carol were always so grateful that many of their family lived close by and visited often. He is survived by 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. They all loved grandpa dearly and they will miss him very much. Del and Carol have had a few health struggles over the last few months. He was very blessed to be under the compassionate care of the Gables Assisted Living and Memory Care at the time of his death. His family is so grateful for the homelike atmosphere they provided and the comfort and kindness the whole staff has shown to him. He has also been under the wonderful care of Encompass Home Care and Hospice, who employ so many angels. We give special thanks to Del’s Hospice nurses, Lori and Brittnee, aide, Alex and Dr. Duke, who have visited him so many times the last few years. Del is survived by his dear wife, Carol, sons, Garth Howells and Mark (Lori) Howells, and daughter-in-law, Carol Smith. Grandchildren, Marilee (Trent) Passey, Tricia (Devin) Thomas, Brent (Mindy) Ohlwiler, Ryan Ohlwiler, Jamie (Neal) Ackerman, Trent (Lisa) Howells, Clint (Ainslee) Howells, Lacie (Jory) Jensen, Ashlie (Clay) Barker, Wendy Howells, Tyler Howells, and Stacey Howells. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Janet Ohlwiler and son Rodney Howells, son-in-law, Alan Ohlwiler, brother, Henry, sisters, Clella, Elva, Jane, and an infant brother. We know there was a joyous reunion with these loved ones, especially his children who he loved and has missed so much. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 20, 2016, at noon, in the Paradise 1st and 4th Ward Chapel, located at 155 East 9400 South, Paradise, Utah. There will also be a viewing will held at the Paradise 1st and 4th Ward Chapel on Friday, February 19, 2016, from 6 to8 p.m. and from 10 to 11:30 a.m., prior to the service on Saturday February 20, 2016. Burial will be in the Paradise Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Cache valley Mortuary, 3207 North Main, North Logan Utah, (435)-787-8517. Condolences may be shared online at www.cvmortuary.com .