Richard Howell Jr.

September 27, 1948 - September 10, 2020

Richard Howell Jr., 71 of Crown Point, Indiana, transitioned on September 10, 2020 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI. He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Richard Howell Sr. and Jessie Simpson on September 27, 1948. Richard graduated from Bishop Noll High School in 1967. Richard was a hard-working man! In his earlier years he worked at the Blaw-Knox Steel Company in East Chicago. Later he went on to join his wife Susan in R&S Service Demolition Company and Quality Music. Richard was kindhearted and had a strong passion for helping others. He believed in the philosophy of “teaching a man to fish.” Over the years he took many people under his wing providing them with employment, a safe space, and, ultimately, tools for life. He could also have a conversation with anyone, no matter who you were or where you were, and inspired others with his generosity and love. He would give you not only his last penny, but a penny he didn’t even have! Richard also had a deep passion for music and entertainment. He could bring any room to life with a microphone and could hype up any crowd while singing and jamming out with his bass guitar! In his lifetime he played for several bands including the Chi-Lites, Creative Souls, Night Moves and Wolverine Brothers. Richard enjoyed entertaining at weddings, Radisson Hotels, campgrounds, and casinos. Richard was a family man. He was very proud of his family and would have no problem letting you know how many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren he had. Family was a big passion of his life, second to the love of his life, Susan. He married Susan Howell in 1976 and they lived in Crown Point, Indiana. Together they raised 8 children and were married for 44 years. Richard was known for his unique phrases including; “Life goes on and time keeps on ticking, can’t stop either one,” “Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die,” “Trying was for when you were in high school, you can’t try anymore, you have to DO IT,” and his favorite Facebook post, in all caps of course, “ALWAYS AND FOREVER AMEN!!!!” His love has been felt by so many, and his legacy will live forever! Richard was preceded in death by his granddaughter Cherae Wright, father- Richard Howell Sr., mother and stepfather Jessie and Rolland Simpson, mother in-law, Anita Runyan, brother- Rolland Simpson Jr., brother in-law George Franklin, nephew- Mark Franklin. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Susan; children- La Veda Howell, Tania (Greg) Kemp, Richard (Angie) Howell III, Alex (Sarah) Howell, Theresa (Jimmy) Mendez, Tiffany (Art) Tyson, Carl Harris, and Wayne Harris; 20 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; sister- Oyra Franklin; father in-law- Arden Runyan; nephew- Rolland Simpson III, extended family and many dear friends. Funeral service Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Visitation Saturday, September 19, 2020, from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, Richard's family asks that donations be made to his family to help cover expenses. Due to COVID-19, please provide your own mask and social distancing is encouraged. www.burnsfuneral.com