Dennis L. Howell, 79, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2024, at the Ascension Seton Hays Medical Center in Kyle, Texas. Dennis was born in Hot Springs, South Dakota, to Bob and Lucille Howell. During his childhood in South Dakota with his two brothers Bob and Jack, he became an avid fisherman, hunter, rockhound and outdoorsman. Early in his life, Dennis found he had talent and a love for the creative arts which drove him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in art education at Black Hills State University where he met his future bride, Helen Thompson. Dennis taught art and inspired generations of art students for over 40 years and at all grade levels, kindergarten through college. During his teaching career, he was especially fond of the time spent while working on his master’s degree in art education through Black Hills State University, where he was part of the Teacher Corps Program.
No one who met Dennis Howell could forget his passion for the outdoors and love of producing art. He always had a creative project underway whether it was wood carving, drawing, painting, or leatherwork. Whether he was working on a new idea for an art project or drawing on a placemat while waiting in a restaurant, his hands were rarely still. Dennis had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh, whether it was with a joke, gag gift or a comical greeting card. After raising a family, Dennis and Helen moved to Wheatland, Wyoming. During their time in Wheatland, they were active members of the First Christian Church. Dennis and Helen really appreciated the small-town values and support they received from their neighbors, friends, church and community.
He is survived by his loving wife, Helen; son Dennis Howell and his wife Ashlie of Casper, and daughter Kristina Coy and her husband Rhett of Hallettsville, Texas; grandchildren Jessica Coy, Blake Coy, Bailee Curry, and Hadrian Howell: as well as his 6 great-grandchildren; his two brothers Robert Howell of Winslow, Arizona and Jack Howell of Prescott, Arizona
In lieu of flowers, grab your fishing pole and head to your favorite fishing hole for a few hours in his memory. He would have wanted that. There will be a private celebration of his life in the Black Hills over the summer.
