Raymond E. Howell

Lt. Colonel Raymond E. Howell, an officer in the Salvation Army died on September 23, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania following a brief illness. Lt. Colonel Howell was ordained to ministry as an officer in the Salvation Army in 1952. Born to Salvation Army officers, Brigaders Raymond and Winifred Howell, on July 5, 1928, he was promoted to glory at age 89. Raised as a Salvationist he responded to the call to pursue ministry as an officer. His first appointment was to serve in the Men’s Social Services Department, later renamed the Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC). His early appointments were in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In 1972 he was named the Commander of the ARC in the Salvation Army’s Eastern Territory at age 42, the youngest officer ever named to this post. By his side in love, marriage, and ministry since 1954 his wife, Fay Ellis Howell, shared in Ray’s devotion to nurture those suffering from addiction. Together they touched the lives of thousands as they introduced them to the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and shepherded them through the Salvation Army's unique work and therapy recovery program. He remained in his Command until his retirement in 1993. Colonel Howell was known for his integrity and as a compassionate and hard-working leader. He oversaw tremendous growth of the rehabilitation programs, the spiritual programs, and the fiscal aspects of the ARCs and Thrift Stores. Following retirement the Howells travelled extensively, consulting with ARCs throughout the United States and internationally. Ray and Fay enjoyed travel, often with good friends, and always enjoyed the many connections they had through the Salvation Army. After many years spent living on Long Island and Manhattan, during retirement they lived in Clearwater, Florida and spent their summers in Old Orchard Beach, Maine - home base for the Howell family during his lifetime. More recently they moved to the Pittsburgh area to be near family. Along with his beloved wife Fay, Ray is survived by his three children: Raymond Howell and his wife Robin Schindler of New York, NY; Susan (Howell) Pappalardo and her husband Thomas of Ben Avon, Pennsylvania; and Laurie (Howell) Hodges and her husband Michael of Andover, Massachusetts. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Raymond Schindler-Howell; Linnea (Pappalardo) Koval, her husband Michael and their three children, Henry, Jackson, and Elizabeth; Joanna (Pappalardo) Davis, her husband Justin, and their two children Theodore and Oliver; and Emma and Sally Hodges. A celebration of Ray’s life will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Salvation Army Corps located at 2 Sixth Street, Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Ray’s memory to the Salvation Army www.salvationarmyusa.org by following the link.

Raymond E. Howell

July 5, 1928 - September 23, 2017