Gaylon Newell Howell

I was born in Blackfoot, Idaho to Newell and Reta Fackrell Howell on July 31, 1944. I passed away on July 14, 2025, in my home in Taylorsville, Utah. I graduated from Blackfoot High School in 1962 where I served on the student counsel and sang in the choir. I graduated with an associate's degree in psychology from Ricks College in 1964. Soon after I served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 1964-1966 in the Southwest Indian Mission. I was able to learn how to share the gospel in the Navajo language (my dream was to always serve in a foreign country speaking English, so be careful what you wish for). After completing a successful mission, I went to BYU to further my education. I graduated in 1969 with my bachelor's degree in education with a minor in Indian studies. Later, at BYU I graduated with my master's degree in education administration in 1972. 

While attending BYU, I met my Sweetie Dumplings, Barbara Jean Kiser. We were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 18, 1967. We have six wonderful children: Leo, Brooke, Grady, Lance, Kameron, and Kip. My first job after graduating college was teaching at Farnsworth Elementary School. I continued teaching in elementary education at Robert Frost Elementary and later at Westbrook Elementary. After teaching my own classroom for 32 years I retired, but I enjoyed teaching so much I continued as a substitute for another 18 years. (My wife always told me I "flunked" retirement.)

I've always valued work, and some of my other ambitions included farming, newspaper, sales, real estate, garbage man, handyman, and mechanic. Community service has also been important to me. I am grateful for my time spent serving in the Holladay Lion's Club, and on various boards. I've always embraced my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many ward and stake callings. Some of my favorite callings were serving as executive secretary, high council member, and sports director. My hobbies included racquetball, tennis, and pool time with my grandkids. Barb and I started square dancing in 1983. We are so blessed with our lifelong square-dancing friends.

I liked reading and writing, especially poetry. I also enjoyed classic cars (I owned 3 of them at one time) and enjoyed shopping for new cars too (the salesmen liked me a lot). Nobody was as surprised as me when I made that hole-in-one. Now, that's something to be proud of! 

I've always tried to be kind and generous to others. If I can share two things that I want everyone to remember, it would be: The more you read the more you know. The more you know the smarter you grow. The smarter you grow the stronger your voice when speaking your mind or making a choice. And do your best in all you do.

I am preceded in death by my parents Newell and Reta, my siblings Darlene (Reed Murdock), Varon (Kathy), and Devon Howell. I'm survived by my wife Barbara, children Leo (Martie), Brooke (Kevin), Grady (Angela), Lance (Amy), Kameron (Rosi), and Kip (Shannon). In addition, I am survived by my 30 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, sisters-in-law Pat Howell and Virginia (Joe Logan) and many nephews, nieces, and cousins, whom I love very much.

I would like to thank all of my medical providers and their teams for the help and care they have provided.

Funeral Services: 
July 24, 2025, viewing 6:00-8:00 PM 
July 25, 2025, viewing at 11:00 AM with funeral services following at 12:00 PM 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 5775 South 2700 West Taylorsville, UT 84129 

Memorial Redwood Mortuary 6500 South Redwood Road West Jordan, UT 84123 

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.