Raymond Otto Howell

Raymond Otto Howell, 57, of Sheffield Township, died unexpectedly Friday, December 27 at UH Hospitals Conneaut Medical Center. He was born October 23, 1962 in Conneaut, the son of Franklin Howell and Kathleen (Qualman) Howell.

Ray graduated from Ashtabula County Vocational School /Edgewood Senior High School in 1981, after which he managed Lawn & Leisure Small Engine Repair Shop in North Kingsville for five years.  He was employed at Thomas Fence Company in Ashtabula for 28 years where he was highly skilled in welding and fabrication. Thomas Fence quickly became Ray’s second family.

Ray enjoyed several hobbies, but was most proud of his family. He was an avid NASCAR fan and loved camping and hunting, especially at his family’s “ole’ home place” in southern Ohio. He was a life-long volunteer firefighter, beginning in North Kingsville, then serving the Sheffield Township Fire Department for 25 years. He attended the Gageville United Methodist Church. Ray was known for his willingness to help anyone, whether it be family, a friend, or a stranger in need. Over the years, many have said, “If Ray can’t fix it, it can’t be fixed.”

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Kay Howell and father-in- law Lorren “Bud” Sowry.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years Deanna (Sowry) Howell; three children, Amy Howell of Rock Creek, Dale (Rachel) Howell of Ashtabula, and Kathleen Howell of Sheffield, along with his amazing grandson, Raymond William Shantz. Other survivors include brothers, Alan (Sandy) Harrison of Mobile, Alabama, Dale Harrison of Reno, Nevada, Frank (Marsha) Howell and Dave (Renee-Smith) Howell of North Kingsville, sisters, Carol (Dennis) Mitchell and Mary (Shane) Hunter of North Kingsville, and mother-in-law Carol Sowry of Kingsville, along with a large and loving extended family. 

Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM, Friday, January 3, 2020, at The Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, with Rev. Terri Simpson of Gageville United Methodist Church officiating.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 8:00 PM., Thursday, January 2, 2020.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Sheffield Township Volunteer Fire Dept. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Sign the guestbook at www.marcyfuneralhome.com

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