Dennis Wayne Howell, 63, of Odin passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at Salem Township Hospital. He was born on September 17, 1959, the son of Max E. and Geneva Pearl (McDaneld) Howell in Sterling, Illinois. He married the love of his life Theresa “Terry” Hildreth in 1980 in Centralia and she survives in Odin.
Along with his beloved wife of 42 years, Terry Howell, Dennis is survived by his devoted family, his daughters Natalie Howell, and Emily Howell (Shane Mitchell) both of Odin; his father Max Howell of Odin; grandchildren Jada Howell, Kayleigh Skibinski, and Chandler Mitchell; siblings Barb (Chuck) Hollis, Marilyn (Tom) Gimbel, and Norman (Karen) Howell; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his mother Pearl Howell; and his sister Sharon Jarnigan.
Dennis was a loyal employee and an asset to every employer he worked for. He dedicated 24 years to World Color Press in Salem, worked as a physical therapy aide at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital, and most recently provided for his family by working at North American Lighting in Salem. Dennis had a heart of gold and was a true animal lover. He was a hard-core St. Louis Cardinal fan who didn’t miss a game on television and excitedly looked forward to going to the stadium at least once each year. Dennis had amazing woodworking abilities and loved building new creations in his shop. He was lovingly called Denny by his wife Terry and they were blessed. They raised their children and lovingly watched their grandchildren grow. Never a stranger to the kitchen Dennis was always looking for a new recipe to try, baking delicious treats to share, and was the house to be at come Thanksgiving when the whole family would gather, even those from out of town. He loved the solitude of camping. Dennis was humble, hard-working, and a protective family man. He would pull out all the stops to make others laugh and had the most generous, gentle spirit. Dennis will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
A private celebration of life service will be held at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Odin with his brother, Pastor Norman Howell officiating. Memorials may be made in Dennis’ honor to the Salem Animal Shelter and will be accepted for the family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home 234 South Elm St. Centralia, IL 62801. Online condolences and memories of Dennis may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczgfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
