Gary M. Howell

Gary M. Howell, age 65 of Hastings, died on Wednesday December 17, 2008 at Pennock Hospital in Hastings.\r

He was born January 31, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Harris F. and Bertherna (Oke) Howell. He graduated from Northville High School in 1961. \r

Gary served in the United States Marine Corps from 1961 to 1965 and was in the reserves until 1967.\r

Gary married Kay Neil October 6, 1973. He spent his life in law enforcement, first with the Detroit Police Department for 4 years, he was a officer for the Barry County Sheriff Department from 1970 until he retired in 1993. He then worked for Status Delivery for 5 years. \r

Gary lived in Detroit, California and moved to Barry County in 1970. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and motorcycles. He was a Marine expert marksman, and enjoyed shooting competition with the Barry County Sheriff Posse where he won several awards. \r

Gary was a former member of the Hastings Moose Lodge, a member of the Barry County Sheriff Posse and the Grace Lutheran Church. He enjoyed time spent with fellow officers.\r

He was preceded in death by his parents, Step-son, Randy Lydy and his father in-law, Vern Neil.\r

Gary is survived by his wife of 35 years Kay Howell, his children, David Howell, Jeff (Tina) Howell, Kathy Lydy Edwards, Kelly Lydy Chadwick, Steve Lydy, Douglas Lydy and Lori Lydy, 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, brother George ""Skip"" (Sandy) Howell, many nieces, nephews, and Mother In-Law, Lorriane Neil.\r

Respecting his wishes , cremation has taken place, and a Memorial service with full Military Honors will be held Tuesday December 23, 2008 at 11:00am at Ft. Custer National Cemetery 15501 Dickman Rd. Augusta, Michigan. Pastor Mike Kemper officiating. Friends can meet with the family at a luncheon after the service at the Hastings Grace Lutheran Church .\r

Memorials can be made to the Barry County Sheriff Posse or the Hastings Grace Lutheran Church.\r

Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. You may leave a message or memory to the family at (girrbachfuneralhome.net). \r