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Gideon Robert (Shorty) Howell was born at home in Olton, Texas, on September 17, 1937. He passed away Monday July 31, 2017 at Sulphur, Ok at the age of 79 years 10 months, 14 days. As a child he lived what he always described to us as a (wonderful Texas childhood) with his parents and sisters, Marie and Renee. Great family folklore had its roots in those memories. Shorty grew up in both Springlake and Muleshoe, Texas. The Springlake Baptist Church played a big role in his life,as he and his family were part of the believers who started the still active Church.Throughout his school years he worked hard both on the family farm and at school, becoming an outstanding football player and also an amateur boxer. As a young adult, in addition to family and farming, he developed an interest in flying. Eventually, he and Bella and their family settled in Rye, Colorado while the children finished school. After the children had grown and left home, he and Bella moved to Amarillo, Texas where Shorty worked for Missouri Valley Construction and later for the Amarillo School District. In 2008, he and Bella moved one more time, retiring to Sulphur, Oklahoma where his talents and heart came together for what he considered his best project. It was his great joy to have had a hand in building the Crossway Church, a blessed interest for a man that God had given both great strength and heart to serve the Lord. Shorty is survived by Bella, his wife of almost 50 years, daughter Liz (Wayne) McClure also of Sulphur, sons Jared Howell (Dawn) of Farmington, New Mexico, Malek Howell (Julie) of Jacksonville, Florida, Doug Branch of Rye Colorado, and Steve Howell (Pat) of Alexandria, Virginia; sisters Marie Winders of Lubbock, Texas and Renee (Clinton) Smith of Greenville, South Carolina. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Ryen Ramon and Kalli McClure, Kevin and Kelly Howell, Garret and Logan Howell, Laci Branch and Steven, Tommy, Sidney and Seth Howell, and by 8 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews. He was preceded by his parents Gideon and Mildred Howell, grandson Matthew McClure, son Eddie Branch, brother-in-law Dale Winders, nephew Michael Barrett and niece Chrissy Smith. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday August 2, 2017 at 2:00PM at Crossway Baptist Church - Chapel officiated by Rev. Bill Leveridge. Arrangements by DeArman Funeral Home of Sulphur, OK online condolences may be sent to www.dearmanfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Gideon "Shorty" Robert Howell

September 17, 1937 - July 31, 2017