James Mark Howell, 56, left this life and entered into eternal rest into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on May 18, 2017 at Providence Hospital with his Mother by his side. His family and friends find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace and free of pain. A Celebration of Life will be held at Meadowbrook Baptist Church at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 22, 2017 with Dr. Cary Killough officiating. Visitation with family will be one hour prior to the service. A video of his life will be shown during visitation.
Mark was born in San Antonio, Texas on January 26, 1961. He was the son of James and Charlene Howell. He attended Alta Vista Elementary, South Jr. High, University Jr. High and graduated from University High School in 1979. He was in the band and played football both in Jr. High and High School. He also attended MCC.
As a teenager, he worked for Piggly-Wiggly, Cablevision and Greenleaf Nursery. Mark had been Service Manager of Waco Spring & Brake in Waco until December, 2009. He was a member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church where he was baptized at the age of 8 years old by Reverend Clifford Feeler. He was active in SS, Training Union, Youth and Children Choirs. He loved gospel music, especially Bill Gaither.
He enjoyed deer hunting with his Dad and friends and spent many weekends at the deer lease. He enjoyed camping, boating and snow skiing with family and friends. When Mark was young, he often said to his Mom, “You are the best cooker in the whole wide world”. No matter what the meal, it was the best ever in his eyes.
He was preceded in death by his Dad; grandparents, Jim and Martha Braswell and Emmett and Viola Howell; and several aunts and uncles.
Left to cherish his memory are his Mom, sister, Lisa (Missy) and husband Gary Koets and their children, Matt, Karissa and Anna of Longmont, CO; many cousins, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends; and his beloved cat, Ali.
The family would like thank Dr. Carter Smith and Dr. Rodney Richie and the staff in the ICU Department of Providence Hospital for care and compassion afforded to our loved one.
Memorials may be made to Meadowbrook Baptist Church Homebound Ministry, 1207 Old Robinson Road, Waco, TX 76706 or Fuzzy Friends Rescue, 6321 Airport Road, Waco, TX 76708.
Honorary Pallbearers: Korey Coleman, Louis Hirsch, Jimmy Norwood, Gary Koets and Matt Koets