Homer Carl Howell was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on March 23, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on July 12, 1934, he was strong in his Faith as a Christ follower and he had a great love and support for his family and friends. We will miss his kind, loving spirit of being there for others.

Homer graduated from Jackson High School. He worked for the FBI in fingerprinting, as well as working as Miliary Police in the Army. His last job, which he retired from, was the IL Central Railroad. Homer finished his career after many dedicated years of service as an Official in Civil Engineering. He enjoyed training others in whatever discipline was before him. The University of IL students learned great practical applications of Civil Engineering discipline through his classes held in partnership with the university.

As a member of Temple Baptist Church, Homer enjoyed being part of Sunday classes and services. He served for years to help support of special needs adults in the Champaign, IL area. Several of his class members also dedicated themselves to support the adults by helping with life necessities and guidance for housing, selfcare, food, and general health and safety.

Homer is known for his wide range of hobbies. From Fostoria glass working to working with tools. He loved collecting musical instruments for others. No doubt, Homer loved being outdoors. He was always fishing and talking about the big bass fish, as well as keeping his lawn and gardens perfect. That was always a joy for him.

Left to cherish his memory is his sister, Patsy Ruth Howell Dunning; son, Jesse Carl Howell; daughter, Lisa K. Howell Sharpe (Timothy), foster parents of Ashton; and grandchildren, Dustin Carl Howell and Joselyn Danae Howell. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 70 years, Ann Sorenson Howell; parents, Florence Marie Rushing and Johnny Carl Howell; sister, Martha Emily Pratt; and brother, James Terry Howell.

A funeral service to celebrate Homer's life will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026, in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. The burial will follow at Ridgecrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to RIFA at rifajackson.org or to Empty Tomb at 301 N. 4th Street, P.O. Box 2404, Champaign, IL 661820.

Funeral Recording: https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/93M6QM