OTIS GENE HOWELL, 76, passed away Monday, June 9, as the result of a long illness.

Otis was born in Independence, Kansas to Ervy and Grace Howell. Otis attended Longton schools, and graduated from Longton High School in 1950.

Otis married May Lynn Royse, of Longton, in December of 1952. Otis and Mary Lynn moved to Wichita, and Otis went to work for Boeing Aircraft, until February of 1953, when he joined the US Army. Otis served during the Korean war, and maintained his status in the US Army Reserve until 1961. Otis and Mary Lynn had two children, Roger Lee Howell in 1956, and Brenda Sue Howell, born in 1961. Otis and Mary Lynn divorced in 1976.

Otis met and married Jewell "Kay" Rupert on July 22, 1978. Otis owned and operated several automotive repair shops in Wichita and remained self employed until retirement. Otis and Kay moved to Winfield, KS in 1985, where Otis opened Howell's Auto Service, with Richard Grey, as an extension of Grey's Auto Sales.

Otis retired from Howell's Auto Service in 1994, and assisted in providing full time care to his step-daughter, Bobbie Knight, who was injured, and became a quadriplegic as a result of a motor vehicle accident in 1993. Bobbie's husband, Melvin Knight, Jr., was killed instantly in a motor vehicle accident in 1987. Otis and Kay raised their granddaughters, Melvin and Bobbie's two daughters, Misti and Kristie Knight, as a their own, in addition to providing full time care for their mother, Bobbie.

Otis was preceded in death by parents, Ervy and Grace Howell, a twin brother, Othel Dean "Blackie" Howell, his son, Roger Lee Howell, and his great grandson, Lucas B. Cole.

Survivors include: wife, Jewell "Kay" Howell, and Bobbie Knight of the home; daughter, Brenda S. Blake and husband, Bernie, of Haysville; granddaughters, Misti Knight of Winfield, Kristie Knight and great granddaughter Kirstie of Augusta; step-sons, Steven G. Rupert, Sr., and wife, Vicki of Wichita, Charles E. Rupert and wife, Trudy of Haysville; step-daughter, Glenna Rupert of Wichita; Grandchildren, Roger Howell, Jr., Beau, Brandon and Bernie Jr. Blake, Jeremie Allan, Steven Rupert Jr., Lisa Gill, Travis E. Rupert, Katie Jo Setzkorn, April Moats; Great grandchildren, Braden Blake, Jadon, Blake, Brady, Brett, Kaeden, and Mercedez.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 P.M., Thursday, June 12 at Miles Funeral Service. The Family will be available for visitation and condolences from 6 to 8 that evening. Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Otis Howell's name at Corner Bank to help defray funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be made at www.milesfuneralservice.com.