Ronald Howell

Ronald Eugene “Ronnie” Howell, 63, of Herrick passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2026 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born September 12, 1963 in Christian County, IL, to the late Charles Martin & Melba Jean (Lovegrove) Howell. Ronnie married Mitzi Pritts on December 20, 1986, to which they remained united until his parting. Together they had two daughters, Heidi & Tia, who survive.
He attended Cowden-Herrick High School. Ronnie was often a man of few words. He once told his wife that you learn more by listening than from talking. Whether he was trying to sit back and learn more, or just make excuses, we may never know. While Ronnie was often quiet, he was a very smart man, known for his sharp wit. You never knew when he was ready with a zinger to catch you off guard. He was delighted that this was something his grandson, Toby, seems to have inherited.
Ronnie was a hard-working man all his life – weather permitting. Always a physical laborer, he built the house he spent the last 25 plus years in. He also spent the last several years with the Laborers Union in Decatur, doing road construction. Sadly, he worked up until his diagnosis of lung cancer just a short time ago on August 1. At the time of his diagnosis, he and his family learned that the cancer was already advanced, and that he may not have much time left on this earth. And while that proved to be true, he made the time he had left count, as well as he could, spending quality time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Mitzi Howell, Herrick, IL; daughters: Heidi (Chris) Gould & Tia Howell (Holden Watters); grandchildren: Emma Stephens, Tobias Stephens, Dante Watters and siblings: Rose (Dave) Kelly, Betty (Kenny) Chamberlain, Shirley (Terry) Manley, Marcia (Marla) Howell, David “Peewee” (Nicki) Howell; stepsister, Vicky (Ed) Connelly. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Charles “Marty” Howell and stepbrother, David Sarver.
Per Ronnie’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.
Funeral services for Ronnie will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 1:45 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home with Pastor Leon Goff officiating. A visitation will follow from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
Memorials in Ronnie’s honor may be made to the family and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.