John Wendell Howell

John Wendell Howell, 78, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, entered his heavenly home on June 5, 2025. Born in Marshalltown, Iowa, he was the oldest of three children and grew up in the small town of Rhodes, Iowa. Known as the town paperboy, John often reflected fondly on his childhood—full of faith, family, and small-town charm. He graduated from West Marshall High School in 1965, where he was active in sports, band, and community groups. After earning a business degree from the American Institute of Business, John served honorably in the U.S. Air Force as a weather specialist. He later completed a bachelor’s degree in business accounting from Ferris State College in Michigan. In 1970, John married Nancy Calhoun—his beloved wife of over 54 years. Together they raised two sons, John and Joel, and created a home grounded in faith, hard work, and laughter. John passed down his love of cars, newspapers, and business sense to his boys—lessons often learned through early mornings and hands-on experience. Throughout his career, John held leadership roles in sales, accounting, and automotive finance across Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, and Texas. He was a Certified Automotive Financial Manager and a licensed stockbroker. Known for his integrity, sharp mind, and quiet generosity, John gave his best to every role—at church, at home, and at work. He became a Christian early in life and faithfully served the Lord in many ways. Though he once turned down a mission trip to Africa due to a fear of snakes, missions remained close to his heart, and he supported several missionaries over the years. After Nancy’s retirement, the two traveled the country in their motorhome before settling in Bartlesville to be closer to family. In his later years, John found his greatest joy in time spent with his granddaughters—teaching them to yodel, sharing stories, and filling their lives with humor and love. John was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Charlotte Howell; in-laws Donald and Hazel Calhoun; brother-in-law Robert Wixon; and grandchild Zane Howell. He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy (Calhoun) Howell; his sisters, Ruth Potteiger (Jim) and Mary Wixon; his sister-in-law, Judi Giest (Larry); his sons, Rev. John D. Howell (Cristin) and Joel Howell (Carrie); his niece Angela Moran (Dave) and nephews, Kerry Wixon ((Stephanie), and Brian Potteiger (Lisa), and his cherished grandchildren, Adelin, Briley, and Carlie Howell. John lived a full life—marked by faith, family, and kindness. He leaves behind a legacy of steady love, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion. He will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered. Services for John will be held at First Wesleyan Church, 1776 Silver Lake Road, Bartlesville, OK, on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are being handled by Stumpff Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery in Bartlesville, OK.

John Wendell Howell

November 26, 1946 - June 5, 2025