Milton H. Howell

Milton H. Howell, 90, of Russellville, died Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home. He was born at Russellville on September 19, 1921, to Charles M. and Lexie Henry Howell. He was a third generation row crop farmer in the South New Hope area of Pope County, cultivating cotton, soybeans, grain sorghum and wheat for over 50 years. He often worked in cooperation with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service testing new products or innovative techniques. He was a member of the Pope County and Arkansas State Farm Bureau Associations, serving a term as county vice-president. In 1964, the Howell family was selected as the Pope County Farm Family of the Year. He graduated from Russellville High School, attended Arkansas Tech University and received a Bachelor of Science Business Administration degree from the University of Arkansas. He ran track as a student, with a favorite achievement being the 1940 AAU state record made as a member of the Tech 440-relay team. While at the University of Arkansas he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He served three years in the Army Air Corp before returning to Russellville to join his father in the farming business. He was a lifetime member of Central Presbyterian Church serving in past roles as deacon and elder. He was married for 53 years to his childhood sweetheart, the late Dorothy Hull Howell, daughter of the late Dr. J. W. and Ruth Hull. Following Dot's death, he was married to the late Ruth Schultz Hinkley of Parkin, Arkansas, and shared 10 wonderful years. He loved fishing and duck hunting with cherished friends and family. He was a fan of Wonder Boy and Razorback football and basketball games, and throughout his lifetime enjoyed retreating to his family's homes atop Mt. Nebo. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Dorothy Hull Howell and Ruth Schultz Hinkley Howell; and a brother, R.D. Howell. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Nellie Howell of Mt. Nebo, and Bob and Patsy Howell of Dardanelle; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ruth and Terry Glover of Little Rock; two granddaughters, Hannah Glover of Little Rock, and Robin Howell of Dardanelle; and a brother, Charles F. "Chock" Howell of Russellville. The memorial service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2012, at Central Presbyterian Church, by Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. The Rev. R. Brian Brock will officiate. Private burial in Rest Haven Memorial Park will be by Shinn Funeral Service. Following the service Bill, Bob and Mary Ruth would like friends and family to join them in the church's Knox Fellowship Hall to celebrate their Dad's life. Memorial gifts may be given to Central Presbyterian Church Building Fund or Meal Mission, 400 West Main Street, Russellville, Arkansas 72801, or to Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home, 220 John Babish Lane, Russellville, Arkansas 72802. The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.