Lonnie Wayne HOWELL, Jr.

HOWELL, MCDONALD, STALEY, COMO

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:47

4 April 1926 --- 6 December 1995

Lonnie Wayne Howell, Jr. was born on April 4, 1926 at Eagle Grove, Iowa, to Lonnie Wayne and Vera Naomi McDonald Howell. He entered the United States Navy from Fort Dodge, December 15, 1943, and received his honorable discharge at Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 24, 1946. He was united in marriage to Esther Staley on January 3, 1948, at Fort Dodge. He was self employed as a roofing contractor in Eagle Grove for many years. He retired in 1988. He was a member of the V. F. W. in Eagle Grove. He was an avid wrestler and fan. He earned the National Championship in Old Timers Wrestling at Portland, Oregon.

Lonnie Wayne Howell died on Wednesday evening, December 6, 1995, at Trinity Regional Hospital in Fort Dodge at the age of 69 years, 8 months, and 2 days. Survivors include his wife, Esther; children, Steve Howell, Valerie Howell, Lonnie Howell, Diane Como and husband Bill, all of Eagle Grove; 13 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and 4 brothers, Donald Howell and wife Phyllis, Corona, Calif., Lynn Howell, Denver, Colo., Robert Howell and wife Carol, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Jack Howell and wife Susan, Logan, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one child Kelly.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 9, 1995, at the Willim Funeral Home. Reverend Maynard Moen officiated the 2 p.m. service. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove. Willim Funeral Home, Ltd., Eagle Grove was in charge of arrangements.

Eagle Grove Eagle -- Eagle Grove, Iowa
December 13, 1995

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He's a roofer by trade and a wrestler by sport! His name is Lonnie Howell and he's 55 years old, with five children and 11 grandchildren. His age in itself isn't remarkable. But after considering his recent achievements in sports commonly championed by younger men, Lonnie Howell's determination make this 55-year-old grandpa an inspiration to many a younger fellow.

After participating in high school sports, Lonnie joined the Navy, and in 1943-44, won titles in lightweight and welterweight divisions. Then he came home, and for 30 years he forgot wrestling and concentrated on his business and family. In 1973, he heard about Old Timers' Wrestling Tournaments (involving anyone out of high school or college), and he helped his buddy Harold Bard get one started in Eagle Grove. Since then, Lonnie has wrestled all over Iowa in the Old Timers' Tournaments, and twice in Portland, Ore. where he represented the Iowa AAU, and won the national AAU title master's division twice - in 1979, and in 1980.

He says, "I just love the sport -- meet a lot of nice guys and renew old acquaintances during the tournaments. I sure don't wrestle for the glory -it's just for fun. Maybe I win half the time. Harold Bard, Tony Coltvet, and Dave Morgan gave me a lot of hints and taught me a lot. When I started I didn't know any fancy moves. I've had a lot of practice now. But heck, you don't mind losin' when you get old! I wrestle because I love it."

He's not just a wrestler - Lonnie also runs, lifts weights, and plays basketball. This year, he was captain of a city league three-on-three team, and his team won first place. He is anticipating playing softball in the Centennial Tournaments (35 years plus), and is looking forward to city league basketball next fall.

Esther, his wife of 33 years, and his family are proud of Lonnie. He's a nice guy, a good sport, and a good neighbor.
By Kay Grisamore

Eagle Grove Eagle -- Eagle Grove, Iowa
May 13, 1981