Robert “Bob” Thomas Howell, age 86, of 8809 Dingerson Rd, Payson, IL died on January 20, 2016 in his home. He was born on June 29, 1929 in Quincy, the son of Otha T. and Regina A. (Diss) Howell. He married Rose Mary Krupps on May 5, 1951 in the former St. Mary Church in Mt. Sterling, IL. She survives.

Bob was a lifelong grain and livestock farmer. He was a graduate of St. Mary Academy in Mt. Sterling, and was valedictorian of his class. He was a member of St. Brigid Catholic Church in Liberty, he was dedicated to his faith and to raising his children to live their own lives with faith. Bob was active in parish activities, serving on the Finance Committee, he also was a lector and a member of the Holy Name Society at St. Brigid.

Bob was a member of the Plainville Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus in Mt. Sterling and the Adams County Farm Bureau. He was introduced to the joy of traveling through the former Kiwainis Travelogue, and he traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and internationally. His last major trip fulfilled his dream of traveling through the Panama Canal. He had wonderful trips to the Holy Land, to Rome and the Vatican, New Orleans and many memorable Super Crost Seed Corn Trips. Summer trips to the Muny Opera in St. Louis to see musicals, Cardinal baseball games, visits to the St. Louis Zoo, were some of his favorite pastimes. He enjoyed attending Quincy University Basketball games.

He and Rose Mary played pinochle with five other couples on a Saturday once a month for 51 years. He was a supportive father, who was there for his children as they participated in 4-H and their other activities. Bob was an avid reader of history, with special interest in World War II and the Civil War.

Robert is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Rose Mary; his children, Mary Ann (Mark) Morrison of rural Plainville, IL; Susan (David) Redman of Bloomington, IL; James R. (Judy) Howell of Walcott, IA; Carol (Chuck) McNett of Payson, IL; grandchildren, Erica Fitzgerald (Michael); Christopher Morrison (Kim); Brian Morrison (Amber); Emily Howell; Sarah Howell; Bridget Harweger (Dustin); Kyle McNett; great-grandchildren, Madeline Fitzgerald, Andrew Fitzgerald and Mackenzie Fitzgerald; Amelya Morrison; Claire Morrison and Brendan Morrison; a sister-in-law, Betty Krupps of Mt. Sterling, IL; a cousin, Margie Garrison of Galesburg, IL.Many nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ann Agnes Howell.

Funeral services will held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 a.m. in St. Brigid Catholic Church in Liberty, IL. Interment will be in Mt. Sterling Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Masses may be given in his memory, or memorials may be made to St. Brigid Catholic Church.