Leslie Boyd Howell

The family of Leslie Boyd Howell, age 97, celebrates his full life and his journey to heaven where he now lives in the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ. He was born in Lawton, Okla., on July 28, 1925, to Leslie Edward and Stella Terrell Howell. He passed into his new home on January 9, 2023. He served in the United States Army during WW II. He faithfully loved his wife, Blanche Marie Williams, for 60 years, caring for her through eight years of illness. He married Doris Ann Smith whom he loved faithfully for 10 years. He provided for his family through 45 years of service to SWEPCO, beginning as a U of A electrical engineering intern and retiring as the division superintendent. Les and Blanche established a Christ-centered home, loving two daughters, Lisa and Jana and their families. They also lived and served within a church family at North Street, Johnson, and Mount Comfort Churches of Christ. He loved studying and teaching the Bible. He served as a deacon, an elder, and teacher. He enjoyed reading and golf. As a retirement project, he and Eugene Toy, his brother-in-law of California, purchased 80 acres in west Fayetteville, which he developed into Doubletree Estates. He named streets after Mr. Toy, his daughter Jana, and his granddaughter Staci. He will be remembered as a godly man of faith and integrity, a provider, a devoted husband, patient father, and a fun-loving grandfather with a sweet and generous heart. Preceded in death by his brother Marion of Enid, Okla. Survived by; brother, Nelson of Chickasha, Okla.; daughters Lisa (Dan) Prier of Fayetteville, Jana (Jeff) Roussel of Fort Wayne, Ind.; granddaughters Staci (Josh) Graber of Fayetteville, Ashli (Caleb) Nicholas, Kaysi (Ryan) Bumpers of Little Rock; and great-grandchildren Emeri and Eli Graber. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Mount Comfort Church of Christ on Saturday, January 21 at 2:00 with visitation at 1:00. Ronnie Morrison, his son in the faith, will officiate. Since Les lived for the gospel of Jesus to be known, the family would be blessed by donations to Bible Study Fellowship International in lieu of flowers www.bsfinternational.org/support/. To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.