Michael L. “Mike” Howell, 72, Hays, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2022, at home with his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
He was born May 29, 1950, to Jerry and Erma (Smith) Howell in Kearney, Nebraska. He spent most of his childhood in Phillipsburg, Kansas where his father was a teacher. After attending his eighth-grade year at Hill City, Kansas, his family moved to Lucas, Kansas. He graduated from Lucas High School in 1968 and NCK Vo-tech in Beloit. He met his wife Sharon, his high school sweetheart, and the two were married for more than 52 years and were blessed with three children: Chris, Doug, and Melissa.
Mike had several jobs working for Schult Homes, Allied Oil Field Cementing, King of the Road, Hoovestol, and his favorite job was bus driver for Hays USD 489. He loved the kids and watching their games and activities. He was a fan of all sports and enjoyed supporting the Hays High Indians. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, the Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, and KU basketball. He loved watching his grandson's football games, going to work, and joking with his co-workers.
Survivors include his wife Sharon of Hays, three children: Chris (Pam) Howell of Hoisington, Doug (Ginger) Howell of Alton, and Melissa (Justin) Nicholls of Blue Springs, MO, a brother: Tim Howell of Phillipsburg, two sisters: Linda (Bernie) Dougherty of Parsons and Joyce “Red” (Rick) Gregory of Lucas, his grandchildren, whom he was so proud of: Kirstin (Jeremy) Hoffman, Kregg (Charlotte) Howell, Bryan (Shayna) Howell, Trenton (Payton) Howell, Dylan Howell, Hunter Howell, Carson Shellito, and Kaci Nicholls, and four great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg followed by a luncheon at the United Methodist Church, 593 3rd Street, Phillipsburg. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Friday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Cancer Council of Ellis County or to a charity of your choice in Mike’s name. Condolences and memories of Mike may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com