Robert Francis Howell

Robert Francis Howell (Bob) died peacefully at his home in Thomasville, GA, Wednesday morning November 12, 2014. Born January 10, 1932 in Russell, KY, Bob was the ninth of ten children born to John and Etta Howell (deceased). Bob was preceded in death by four brothers; John Edward, James Joseph, William Frederick and Henry Herschel; four sisters; Verona Bridgett, Edith Louise, Mary Josephine and Rita Kathryn; one brother Jack and wife Janie survives. Also surviving is Anna Nolan Howell (Ann). Mr. Howell’s wife of 62 years, two daughters; Cherie and son-in-law Myron Laster of Acworth, GA and Robin Petrick, Tallahassee, FL; five grandsons Zachary Howell Laster and Nicholas Nolan Laster of Acworth, GA; and Kyle Robert, Erik Joseph and Alex Christopher Petrick, all of Tallahassee, FL and a great granddaughter Noelle Kylie Swier and her mother, Emily Swier, Tallahassee, FL. Bob was a veteran in the U.S. Navy, serving as a hospital Corpsman after attending Ashland Jr. College. After that, he started a 45 year career in Life Insurance with National Life and Accident Insurance in Dayton, Ohio. He also helped to start an insurance company for United Companies Life Insurance Company, Baton Rouge, LA. He was promoted as President of their subsidiary in Columbus, Ohio, and then expanded other companies – Lone Star Life, Dallas, TX, and American Sun Life Insurance Company, Tampa, FL and National Foundation Life Insurance Company, Oklahoma City, OK. He concluded his insurance career at Atlantic American Life and Bankers Fidelity Life, Marietta, GA, as vice president. For over 30 years, Bob and Ann partnered together in planning and hosting group trips for members of churches in Marietta and Thomasville, GA, traveling throughout the United States and Canada. Mr. Howell was a member of the Thomasville Camp of Gideon’s International, and loved to share the word with everyone he met. He wanted everyone to know the Lord. During the last several years, made a personal Commitment to give medical testaments to health care workers in doctor’s offices and during his inpatient hospital visits. Bob took great pride in his family and his many friends, and endeared himself to a host of local Thomasville friends. Visitation will be Thursday, November 20 at Bailey Family Funeral Home in Flatwoods, KY from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. A graveside service will be held at 1 PM in Bellefonte Memorial Gardens in Flatwoods, Kentucky with Pastor Mark Wilson officiating.  Military Rites will be performed by the Greenbo Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Online condolences can be expressed at baileyfamilyfuneralhome.com.