Patrick Alan Howell lived a life marked by hard work, curiosity, and quiet dedication. He was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on December 11, 1954.
Pat got his start in construction, framing houses, before beginning a long and accomplished career in the petroleum industry. At 25, he took a job on an offshore oil rig in Newfoundland, later spending five years on a rig 400 miles off the coast of Alaska.
After his time offshore, Pat returned home to be a father and went back to OSU to study mechanical engineering, building on an earlier degree in business administration. He went on to work for some of the world's largest oil companies before running his own metal fabrication shop. He took pride in doing things the right way and never backed down from a challenge.
Pat was devoted to his family and supported them through all of life's complications. He was logical, grounded, and taught his children to think for themselves and question everything. He wasn't one for big talk-but when he spoke, it mattered.
He loved camping and fishing, playing his banjo, and spending time in the yard and by the pool. The Howell family cats were constant companions, and his dry sense of humor could catch you off guard in the best way.
Pat is survived by his wife of 43 years, Theona; his son, Jonathan (wife Tia, and children Waylon and Saracennia); his daughter, Jennifer (daughter Edyn); his mother, Ferne Howell; his father, Bruce Howell (wife Kay); his brother, Mike (wife Rita); and his sister, Lynne Cook (husband Terry).
A Celebration of Life in Pat's honor will be held on Saturday, May 10th, from 1-4 PM at Hunter Park on 91st Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma. All who knew him are welcome to attend.
Pat will be remembered for his steadiness, his loyalty, and his compassion. He leaves behind a family who loves him and learned a great deal from the way he lived.