Marvin Howell

Marvin Howard Howell, 84, of Maxwell, Nebraska, passed away on June 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Marvin was born on February 26, 1942, in Cozad, Nebraska, to Calvin and Rosie (Cochrane) Howell.

He attended Cozad Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1962. Marvin was proud to be the only Howell sibling to earn a letter in track for running the mile.

On November 25, 1962, Marvin married the love of his life, Bonnie Kay Lindstedt, at First Baptist Church in Gothenburg, Nebraska. Together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage and were head over heels in love from the moment they met. Their marriage was blessed with five children, twenty grandchildren, and twenty-one great-grandchildren, with more on the way. Family was the center of Marvin's life, and he loved each of them endlessly.

As a young man, Marvin became a Golden Gloves boxer and had aspirations of turning professional. Throughout his life, he worked hard in many different occupations, including Monroe Automotive, delivering milk for Robert's Dairy, and spending countless hours helping Bonnie with Brownie Scouts. He later became a Master Plumber, operating Howell Plumbing, where he amazed everyone with his ability to remember every customer and every job he had ever completed. Marvin eventually joined Union Pacific Railroad as a pipe fitter, retiring after many years of dedicated service, although those who knew him would joke that many hours of his "work" were performed from the bench.

Marvin was an avid hunter and fisherman who was never afraid to take a "sick day" from school in his younger years if it meant spending the day outdoors. He was always bringing home some form of game for Bonnie to prepare. He especially loved gathering with family and friends, teaching everyone how to play—and occasionally "cheat at"—a game of pitch. Anyone fortunate enough to sit around the table with Marvin knew just how competitive he could be, but they also knew those games created memories that would last a lifetime. His storytelling, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor touched everyone he met.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children: John Howell (April Jefferies) of Cary, Illinois; Wendy Cardenas of Gothenburg, Nebraska; Jennifer (Shane) Baxter of North Platte, Nebraska; Amy (Jesse) Koop of Maxwell, Nebraska; and Miranda Smyth of Maxwell, Nebraska.

His grandchildren include Skyler Howell, Caleb Howell, Alexia Howell, Alexa Jefferies, Erica (Nick) Hansen, Heather (Chance Smith) Cardenas, Paula (Tel) Brown, Mary (Kiowa) Sanders, Annette Cardenas, Emily Bose, Caleb (Mary) Baxter, Nathaniel (Tara) Baxter, Brandyn Willard, Tiffany (Rob Gladwell) Willard, Jacob (Savannah) Willard, Helen Willard, Dallas Smyth, and Jackie Smyth.

His great-grandchildren include Ryder, Remmy, Levi, Adalie, Jonna, Grace, Raelyn, Kaylee, Leo, Arya, Faye, Kallum, Kolson, Christopher, Aloura, Joshua, Charlie, Alijah, and Freya, with more expected to join the family.

He is also survived by his brothers, Terry Howell and Gary Dean, both of Cozad, Nebraska.

Marvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie Howell; his parents, Calvin and Rosie Howell; his siblings, Donna Belle Rodine, Lloyd Howell, June Woehrle, John Howell, Ronald Howell, Marlene Sherman, Shari Bartes, Jim Howell, Kay Zimmerman, Norma Jean Baker, and Barbie Anderson; and his great-grandson, Nyles Sanders.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Gothenburg Cemetery in Gothenburg, Nebraska. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Maxwell Town Hall. Family and friends are encouraged to come and share their favorite stories and memories of Marvin.

Memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or the Lincoln County Extension Office (UNL) to support children's and youth programs.

Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.