Ernest “Ernie” Lee Howell, the son of Robert Lincoln and Ruby Mae (Bridgford) Howell, was born February 18, 1952, in Fairfax, Missouri. He attended Tarkio High School, Tarkio, Missouri, graduating in 1970. In the fall of 1970, Ernie then attended Universal Technical Institute, Omaha, Nebraska, receiving his mechanical certificate.

Ernie had two daughters, Heather and Nicole, and in 2002, he was united in marriage to Linda Gail Harrington and Ernie became stepfather to Melissa.

Ernie was employed by Wright Motors, Tarkio, before opening S&H Repair with a friend, Ivol Shipley. He was then employed by Ford in Shenandoah, Iowa, and later drove a semi for Heartland Express. Ernie then began driving a school bus for Tarkio School District while working for Riley’s Service, Tarkio.

In the early 1980s, Ernie opened his own mechanical shop, Howell Repair, north of Tarkio, later moving his shop to Main Street in Tarkio in 1988. He enjoyed hunting, going to the lake, and horses. He also participated in Demo Derbies in his younger years and tinkering with numerous projects. Most of all, Ernie enjoyed “teaching his grandchildren the ropes” and spending time with family. Ernie passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Community Hospital-Fairfax, Fairfax, at the age of 72.

Besides his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by sister, Judy Ann (Larry) Brown, and fur baby, Boo. Survivors include wife, Linda Howell, Tarkio; children, Heather Howell, Fairfax, Nicole (Lloyd) Holl, Great Bend, Kansas, and stepdaughter, Melissa (Devon) Rightsell, Tarkio; grandchildren, Deaven Tunnell, Hunter Tunnell, Danika Agnew, Kaeson Holl, and Korbyn Holl; great-grandchildren, Riley Leeann and Wren Harlow Tunnell; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear friend, Joe Stevens.

A funeral service was held Monday, December 9, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Tarkio, conducted by Pastor Tate Walker and Rev. Glenn Scott. Interment was at Home Cemetery, Tarkio. Memorials may be directed to Ernie Howell Memorial Fund. Arrangements were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio. Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.