NEW CASTLE, Ind — Ray Herbert Howell, 86, of New Castle, took his final trail ride and dismounted in Heaven early on the morning of Friday, Oct. 19, 2018.
He was born at home on Nov. 13, 1931 in Lewis County, Ky., a son of the late Edward and Rebecca Agnes (Evans) Howell.
Ray was raised on a farm in Northeast Kentucky in the mountains. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. On Feb. 18, 1956, Ray married the love of his life and close companion, Carol Jane Hord. Ray retired from Westwood Elementary School after 26 years as a custodian.
Ray had a passion for horses and loved to say with a smile “It was a disease I contracted as a child.” He trained horses on the side and full time after retirement. He especially enjoyed driving horses with carriages. Ray and Carol enjoyed trail riding all over the country with their friends and fellow horsemen.
Ray was a kind and gentle soul, easy to talk with and easy to be around.
Those left to cherish Ray’s memory include his wife of 62 years, Carol Howell; a sister, Geraldine (husband: James) Porter of Flemingsburg; several nieces and nephews, including Arnold Howell of Lewis County, and many, many friends.
Ray was preceded in death by a brother and seven sisters, May Howell, Gladys Bradley, Flora Jones, Walter Howell, Gertrude Howell, Nola Fields, Dora Howell and Jewel Stidam.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, at Sproles Family Funeral Home, New Castle, with Pastor Randy Perry and Rev. Gene Bennett officiating.
Friends may call from 4 – 8 p.m., Monday at the funeral home.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018 at Hillcrest Gardens of Memory in Mason County.
In lieu of flowers, Ray’s family requests memorial contributions be directed to Boys Town “Saving Children and Healing Families” www.boystown.org. Ray and Carol have contributed to this ministry since 1962.
You may offer the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.
The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Ray Howell.
