Francis Albert Howell

Francis Howell was born on September 17, 1939, in Columbus, Ohio, to William “Pop” Howell and Iris T. Napper. He was one of three sons, with older brother Fred A. Howell and younger brother Franklin A. Howell completing the trio. Francis was raised in Columbus and attended Columbus City Schools, proudly graduating from Columbus East High School. He served his country in the United States Army.

At a young age, Francis married Marianne, and together they welcomed two sons, Bruce Albert and Brian Alan. He dedicated 31 years of service to the U.S. Postal Service, where he began as a clerk and rose to the position of Postmaster at the Powell, Ohio facility. After retiring from the Postal Service, Francis continued to serve his community as Transportation Manager for CMACAO and John XXIII Head Start programs, and later as Lead Driver for Heritage Adult Day Care Centers, where he worked for a decade.

Francis’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He came to know the Lord early on, attending Southfield Baptist Church with his parents. He was later baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost, becoming an active member of Bibleway Church on the west side of Columbus. There, he served faithfully on the Usher Board, sang in the Male Chorus, and was ordained as a Deacon. In his later years, he worshipped at Restoration Christian Center, continuing his service as an Usher and Deacon.

November 22, 1975, Francis married his soulmate in Lola Joan (Joann). Their union brought together a beautiful blended family of ten, including five daughters and one son whom Francis lovingly embraced as his own. Together, Francis and Joann shared a joyful life filled with bowling, road trips in their iconic yellow van, and 15 cruises with family and friends. Their bond was unbreakable and their love, inspiring.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, William Howell and Iris Palmore; his brother, Franklin A. Howell; and his son, Bruce A. Howell. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, survived by his beloved wife, Lola Joan; sons Brian A. (Danita) Howell and Wilbert Crockett; daughters Teena Mitchell, Ava (Eric) Milligan, LeAnn (Marvin) Moore, Juanita (Guy) Marbury, and Lisa Johnson; brother Fred A. (Eleanor) Howell; special daughter-in-love Dietra Howell; and special sister-in-love Terisa A. Howell. His legacy continues through 30 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever honor his memory.

Francis departed this life on Wednesday, August 28, following a brief illness. He will be deeply missed by all.

Visitation will be held on Monday September 8, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with a Funeral Service immediately following at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 1555 E Hudson St, Columbus, OH 43211. Burial will process to Eastlawn Cemetery.

To leave a message of condolence please visit his Guest Book.