Orlis Wade "O.W" Howell

Orlis Wade “O.W.” Howell, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully with family by his side on August 13, 2026 after a long and meaningful life. He was born July 11, 1931, in Allen County, Kentucky, as the youngest of 9 children to William J. Howell and Mary Elizabeth McGuire Howell.

From an early age, O.W. was determined, independent, and never afraid of hard work. At just 13 years old, he left home, moving to Indianapolis to live with his sister Gladys. He didn't tell the truth about his age so he could obtain his driver’s license and begin making his own way in the world. That same determination and strong work ethic would remain a defining part of his life.

O.W. married the love of his life, Melba Audrey Howell on May 16, 1952. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, laughter, and countless memories and were blessed with five children.

Throughout his working life, O.W. wore many hats. He worked at 84 Lumber which led him to working for Davis Homes in Indianapolis. He eventually moved his family to Jennings County, where his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish O.W. Howell Construction and was a co-owner and operator of Crothersville feed and grain, which he later sold.

In 1977, O.W. and Audrey moved their family and his construction business to Seymour, Indiana, where he would make his home for the remainder of his life. Along with business partners, O.W. and Audrey also briefly owned and operated the Golden Key Restaurant in Seymour. The restaurant became another chapter in a life filled with hard work, friendships, and memories. He continued to work in construction with his business until he was in his late 80s.

O.W. will also be remembered for the life he lived outside of work. He loved to golf, play cards, go to the horse races, and visit the casino. He continued attending weekly poker games with friends until he passed. Close friend Bill Bateman invited O.W. to start attending church which led to him finding the Lord and being baptized in May of 2019 at the age of 87 at Cornerstone Community Church. Bill and Ruth continued to support his faith ensuring he got to services when they were in town.

O.W. had a way of making friends and memories wherever he went never meeting a stranger and leaves behind generations of family who will carry those memories with them.

He will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched. Though he is no longer with us, his stories, his determination, his humor, and the love he gave his family will live on through the generations.

He is survived by his children Joe Howell; Greg (Sheila) Howell; and Penny (Mike) Donato; Eleven grandchildren: Michelle (Jon Challies) Wingham, Brandon Douglas, Jeremy (Andi) Howell, Will (Heather) Howell, Michael (Rebecca) Howell, Amber Davidson, Emily (Brayden Murphy) Goens, Jolene (Christopher) Stepp, Chrishanna (Cory) Borgman, Audrey Donato, and Izzy Donato. He was also a proud great-grandfather to 22 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandfather to nine great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Audrey, his daughter Debbie Douglas and son-in-law George Douglas; daughter Anita Lynn; daughter in law Bobbi Howell; and his eight siblings Raymond, Ruble, Lola, Gladys, Floyd, Louise, Harold, and Elmore.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, August 23rd from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Voss and Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, 316 North Chestnut Street, Seymour. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 pm. Pastor Johnnie Spivey will officiate. A graveside service and burial will be held at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Holland, Kentucky on Monday, August 24th. Memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Community Church or the American Heart Association.

Arrangements entrusted to Amy and Buddy Fletcher and the caring staff at Voss and Sons Funeral and Cremation Service in Seymour, Indiana. Online condolences may be given on the funeral home website www.vossfuneralservice.com.

The above obituary is published as a courtesy to the Howell family on behalf of T.W. Crow & Son Funeral Home, Scottsville, Kentucky.