Obituary of Robert D. Howell

It’s with sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved Husband, Father, and Granddad (Papa Bob) on April 6, 2023. Bob was born in Woodward Oklahoma on April 3, 1938, to Ruby and Arthur Howell Jr. He grew up and graduated from Waynoka High, in Waynoka, OK in 1956 and went on to attend Northwestern Oklahoma University obtaining his B.S. degree. Following graduation, he attended graduate school at the University of Oklahoma receiving a M.S. and Ph.D. degree. Following graduation from graduate school, he spent 10 years in the aerospace industry working for Martin Marietta and McDonnell Douglas and was actively involved in several NASA contracts with the launch of two Viking spacecrafts to Mars in 1976. After the aerospace business Bob spent the remainder of his career in the bio-medical industry with several major medical manufacturing companies retiring in 1998 as Director of Advanced Manufacturing and Instrument Systems with Roche in Fremont, CA. Bob and his wife Arleen lived in Fremont for over 20 years and retired to Hollister, CA in 1998 settling in Ridgemark. Bob enjoyed playing golf and was active in the Men’s Club serving on the Board for over 10 yrs. Bob and Arleen made many friends and when not playing golf or traveling enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. Bob will hold a special place in the hearts of his children, Doug Howell (wife Veronica), Lynn Evans (husband Frank), Dawn Osborne (husband Jim), and Jennifer Thon, and his grandchildren Kailee Fodge (husband Matt), Emily Evans, Haley Osborne, Sarah Osborne, Madison Thon, Emily Thon, and great-granddaughter Millie Grace Fodge. A Memorial for Robert will be held on April 22, 2023, at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m., with a Celebration of Life/reception following, at Ridgemark Golf & Country Club with light refreshments.