Howell B. Lewis Jr., 91, of Springfield, passed away February 1, 2018 in his home.  He was born June 24, 1926 the son of Louise Johnson and Howell B. Lewis Sr., who preceded him in death.

Howell received Christ at the age of 12 at Pitts Chapel.  He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1944. He enlisted in the Marines on July 22, 1944 as a general mail clerk, as he was a mail clerk at the U.S. Post Office prior.  Howell was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA.  He left with an honorable discharge August 26, 1946.

Howell was employed at Kraft Foods for 33 years.  He was a member of the Top Hatter Club for 25 years and was President for 8 years.  Howell was also a member of the American Legion Post 125.

Howell married Marvin Jean Barrett on April 11, 1948.  To this union, six children were born: Donna F. Copeland (spouse Ed), Howell B. Lewis III, Valerie J. Jones, Michael J. Lewis (deceased), Tona J. Lewis, Glynn D. Lewis, and an honorary son, Marcus Richardson.

He also had a second marriage to Van Pratt.  In addition to his children, he leaves behind 24 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 28 great-great-grandchildren, a niece, Little Muff and her mother, of Chicago, IL; and a host of cousins.  As well as his companion, Edna Johnson and best friend, Joe Brown.

Visitation will be Friday, February 9, 2018 from 10 - 11:00 a.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home.  Graveside services with full military honors will be at 1:00 p.m. at Missouri Veterans Cemetery.