Kevin Ray Howell | 67 | Hull

Kevin Ray Howell, 67, of Hull, IL passed away at 11:45 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at his home in Hull, IL.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at the James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO.
Burial will follow at Akers Chapel Cemetery in Hull, IL.
Friends and Family are invited to Kevin’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at the funeral home.
Kevin was born Dec. 14, 1955, in Hannibal, MO to Raymond Howell and Nellidene Fusselman Howell.
He was married to Clara Faye Hagerman on May 16, 1975, in Erick, OK. She survives.
Other survivors include his six children, Jennifer Hart (Tim), Nellidene Sutherland (Joe), Kevin Howell (Kathy), Kristina Meyer (Adam), Levi Howell (Ocean), and Nicholas Howell (Allison); two brothers, Ronald Howell (Nora) and Rodger Howell (Patti); one sister Roberta Rodgers (Earl); 15 grandchildren, Sydney Hart, Alyssa Hart, Myranda Hart, Andrew Hart, Kelsey Hart, Josey Hart, Henry Sutherland, Samuel Sutherland, Kevin Joseph Howell, Savana Howell, Addisyn Howell, Matthew Howell, Eli Meyer, Brady Meyer and Rory Howell; two sisters-in-law, Judy Howell and Hyla Howell; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard Howell, and Russell Howell; one sister, Raydene Miller; one sister-in-law, Ruby Howell; two brothers-in-law, Tommy Calvery and Fred Fleener; his “bonus son,” Steve Orr; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Naomi Hagerman.
Professionally, Kevin worked as an optical technician for over 30 years. He later followed his dreams and opened the doors to one of Hannibal’s most popular restaurants, Drake’s Steak and Ale.
An avid outdoorsman, Kevin loved to be with his family in a blind somewhere hunting or at a farm pond fishing together.  Deer, duck, goose, and turkey hunting were all outings that Kevin enjoyed. Watching his children and grandchildren play their sports and participate in other activities brought Kevin joy. An amazing cook, Kevin loved to feed people. His homemade chicken and noodles were amazing.  Kevin was a connoisseur of hot sauce and horse radish sauce, and lived by the mantra that if it did not make him sweat when eating, it was not worth enjoying.  The Beatles, ZZ Top and singing gospel hymns at church were among Kevin’s favorite music. Times shared together with friends and family on the golf course playing a round were always enjoyed, especially if the course was free of any house, which Kevin had a knack for hitting!
Most of all Kevin was a man who treasured his family. He loved his brothers and sisters and he never went anywhere without his wife and children. Over the years, Kevin and Clara opened their home to many who needed it and they became always family. Times shared together with those he loved the most always brought a smile to Kevin’s face.
Kevin was a born again believer in Jesus Christ.
Pallbearers will be Levi Howell, Nicholas Howell, Kevin Howell, Tim Hart, Joe Sutherland, and Adam Meyer.
Honorary pallbearers will be Henry Sutherland, Samuel Sutherland, Kevin Joseph Howell, Matthew Howell, Eli Meyer, Brady Meyer, Andrew Hart, Scott Rodgers, Bobby Clary and David Clary.
Memorial contributions may be made to Aker’s Chapel Cemetery Association.
Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.JamesODonnellFuneralHome.com.