Fallen Hero: MSG(Ret) Donnie Howell

Petal


Funeral Home

Moore Funeral Home

789 MS-42, Petal, MS
6015442141

Visitation

Monday, July 4, 2022 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home in Petal

Service

Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Moore Petal Chapel


Obituary

Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on July 1, 2022, and moved on to his heavenly home. MSG(Ret) Donnie Howell, age 80, a retired member of the MS Army National Guard, who had worked full-time at MATES and later served as an instructor at the 154th Regional Training Institute (RTI) has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Obituary, visitation, and service details:
Donnie Howell, 80, of Petal, passed away Friday, July 1, 2022 at his home. Visitation will be Monday, July 4, 2022 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home in Petal. Services will be Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Moore Petal Chapel followed by burial in Forrest Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Howell served in the United States Army for over 42 years and was a decorated Master Sargent. He retired from Camp Shelby in 2001. He loved NASCAR, old cars, and playing computer games.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Ann “Liz” Howell; his parents, Arley and Julia Howell; and his siblings, Florence Robinson, Curtis Howell, and Harley Howell.
He is survived by one son, Kevin Lee Howell (Laralei) of Ozark, AL; one daughter, Mary Ann Davis (Brad) of Lebanon, TN; one step-son, Timothy Pledger (Wanda) of Petal, MS; one brother, Johnny Howell of Crestview, FL; three grandchildren, Leann Svoboda (Filip) of Lebanon, TN, Bethany Dunn (Blake) of Petal, MS, and Hope Hare (Michael) of Petal, MS; eight great grandchildren, Atticus Svoboda, Violet Svoboda, Arabella Dunn, Bentley Dunn, Bryleigh Dunn, Halei-Grace Breland, Justin Breland, and Madyson Breland; his Cockatiel, Peanut; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.