After a short illness, J.C. Howell, age 91, went to be with the Lord while at home surrounded by his wife, daughter and son, on Saturday, July 1, 2023. He was born on May 25, 1932 in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, the son of A.C. and Alma (Maxwell) Howell.

J.C. graduated from Bossier High School, Class of 1951, where he lettered 4 years, and was selected to All-City twice and to the Louisiana All-State Basketball Team his Junior Year (1949-50). After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 until 1954, when he was honorably discharged. On June 8th, 1952, J.C. married his long-time high school sweetheart and love of his life, Bessie ("Betsy") L. Howell, with whom he remained married until his death. They were married at Christ the King Catholic Church. They recently celebrated their 71st year of marriage. J.C. and Betsy are life long residents of Bossier City, where they were blessed with four children.

Following his Naval Service to the Country, J.C. graduated with a bachelor's degree from Northwestern State University in 1958, where he played basketball and lettered two years for the Demons. Upon graduation, he started his teaching career with the Bossier Parish School System at Waller Elementary. Later, he graduated with his Masters degree from Stephen F. Austin University. Additionally, J.C. was the first basketball coach at Airline H.S. after it's opening in 1964, where he was named 1-AAA Basketball Coach of the year in 1967 and where he coached All-American Mike McConathy.

J.C. was an avid golf enthusiast as a member of the now closed Palmetto Country Club. He played golf for almost his entire life! He also loved to follow the athletic activities of his children and grandchildren, as well as being a passionate LSU fan!

In addition to his parents, J.C. was predeceased by his siblings, Clellice (E.L.) Bailey, Myrtice (Richard) Cox, Joyce Pizzuto, Bill (Patsy) Howell and Bobby Joe (Flora) Howell, as well as his eldest daughter, Jennifer Jo Howell.

He is survived by his wife, Bessie L. Howell of Bossier City; and children, Calven Howell, Jr. (Ann) of Dallas, TX; Michael Howell (Kim) of Bossier City; and Heather Stemmans (Charles) of Carencro, LA; as well as grandchildren, Judge Howell III, Jackson Howell, Menda Howell, Cale Howell, JoBeth Sheppard, Victoria Stemmans, Caroline Stemmans, D.C. Stemmans III, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass to remember J.C.'s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Bossier City, Louisiana, located at 425 McCormick St., Bossier City, LA 71111. Internment of ashes will be held at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Those who wish to remember J.C. in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Christ the King Catholic Church or to the National Kidney Foundation.