Gary Leon Howell

Gary Leon Howell, 82, of Arkansas City, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Presbyterian Manor.

Born on April 12, 1943, in Larned, Kansas, to Purl Eugene Howell and Fern Lucille (Strawn) Howell, Gary graduated from Burdett High School in 1961. On July 28, 1962, he married Thresa Rae Hendershot in Kinsley, Kansas, and the couple made their home in Arkansas City. Gary worked for Rainbo Bread Company and Total Petroleum for much of his life before retiring from the City of Arkansas City water department. He and Thresa, who were married for nearly 60 years, attended the First United Methodist Church in Arkansas City.

A loyal KU basketball fan, Gary loved country music and took great joy in supporting his grandchildren in all their activities. He is survived by his sons, David Howell and Janet of Owasso, Oklahoma, and Brian Howell and Rick Peterson of Irvine, California; his daughter, Charlene Donley and Mike of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his sister, Connie Schuld of Belton, Missouri; grandsons Jake Howell and Jesse, Dalton Howell, Justin Reinking and Sophie, and Cale Reinking; and honorary granddaughter Jacey Arnett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Thresa, and his brother Ronald Howell.