Mr. Richard Alvin Howell

Richard Alvin Howell was born September 30, 1924, in Long Beach, California to John Alvin and Grace Irene (Mann) Howell. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 6, 2013, in Whittier, California at the age of 88.



Dick, as he was known by his friends, grew up and went to school in Long Beach, graduating from Woodrow Wilson Classical High School. He kept his colors but traded his Bruin mascot off for that of a Trojan when he later attended and graduated from USC in Los Angeles. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and graduated Phi Beta Kappa.



A veteran of the US Army, Richard served his country honorably in both World War II and the Korean Conflict.



Richard married the love of his life, Patricia Alene Scott, on June 26, 1948. They were married, in what is now a historic landmark, the First Congregational Church in Long Beach, California. They eventually settled in Whittier, California, where they raised their two daughters, Cindy and Judy. Patricia passed away in 2008, yet Richard remained in the family home until his passing.



Professionally, Richard spent his 35 year career with IBM as a computer sales representative, and he worked for his son-in-law, Dr. David French, post-retirement. His hobbies included photography, gardeningespecially growing heirloom tomatoes, fishing and history. He greatly enjoyed reading and researching historical facts. His greatest joy and love, however, were his grandchildren.



While many knew him as Richard or Dick, Mr. Howells favorite title was Papa! He was an amazing grandfather who loved nothing more than spending time with his grandkids. He demonstrated his love and support by always showing up to their events. More importantly, he really showed upnot just physically, rather he was totally and completely focused on the event and all of the participants. To Papa, each event was a privilege to attend, and he did so with great gladness and without complaint.



Richard was a very bright, yet modest individual. He was willing to share his knowledge when asked to do so, but he was never in a hurry to bring attention to himself. Impressed with his vast knowledge of most any subject, Papas grandson respectfully referred to him as Mr. Know-It-All. He is also remembered as a very kind, loving, generous and humble man who was totally selfless. He was always available whenever you needed him, and nothing he had to do was as important as what he was needed for. He will be sorely missed!



Survivors include his daughters, Cindy (David) French and Judy Howell; and grandchildren, Jennifer, Ashley, Courtney and Scott French.



A Graveside Service with military honors will take place at 1pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00am on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Hillcrest Congregational Church, 2000 West Rd., La Habra Heights, California. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Whittier Special Childrens League, P.O. Box 5061, Whittier, CA 90607.