Math Dooley Howell, 80 passed away Sunday, October 2, 2011 at The Neighborhoods of Quail Creek after an extended illness. He was a lifelong resident of Springfield, born July 1, 1931 the son of Clark M. and Fahy H. Howell.
He attended Greenwood Laboratory School, Drury University and Southwest Missouri State University where he was a college tennis letterman. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955 and then graduated from University of Missouri in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity.
In 1957 he was united in marriage to Trellis Haworth, also of Springfield, Missouri. Of that union, two children were born, Dana Howell Martin and Courtney Howell Vialle.
Math was employed for 27 years at Missouri Portland Cement Company. At the time of retirement in 1989 he was the sales representative for the Western half of Missouri. In addition Math was a commercial rental property developer.
Math’s Masonic roots began with United Lodge #5 and continued with all Masonic bodies including, York Rite and Scottish Rite. Math was an active member of Abou Ben Adham Shrine, where he served as Potentate in 1975. He was a dedicated advocate to the Shriners Hospital for Children, in particular the burn unit. Math was a member of the Royal Order of Jesters. He was a member of Hickory Hills Country Club, serving on Board of Directors and served as President from 1991-1993. Math was a member of the Area Chamber of Commerce, served on Board of Directors and was Chairman of the Missouri Highway Committee for 15 years. He was part of the Kansas City to Springfield road council, serving as President and was on the advisory of Multi-State transportation council. Math was a participant of the Governors Economic Development Council and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Developers Advisory council from 1992-1994. He was over a 12-gallon blood donor and volunteer to the American Red Cross. Math was a member of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church and a longtime supporter of the University of Missouri Alumni Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dr. Hickman Clark Howell, MD. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Trellis, of the home; his daughters; Dana and her husband Simon Martin, and their two sons David Simon Martin and Math Howell Martin of Overland Park, Kansas. Courtney and her husband Norman Vialle, and their two daughters, Katherine Marie Vialle and Anna Grace Vialle, of Leawood, Kansas.
Friends and family will remember Math’s passion for geography, continuing need for knowledge, fishing, tennis, cheering on his Mizzou Tigers, a good game of gin rummy and travel. Math has always been known for and will always be remembered for his kind spirit, pride for his country, devotion to friends and complete love of his family.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donation be made to Shriners Hospital for Children- Abou Ben Adham Shrine, 601 East St. Louis Street, Springfield, MO 65806 or to the First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, 820 Cherry Street, Springfield, Missouri, 65806.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 6th, 2011 at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church under the care of Greenlawn Funeral Home East. The family extends an invitation to a reception directly following the service in the church atrium. Graveside service will follow at Maple Park Cemetery.