WALTER "LEON" HOWELL, 71, of Winfield, Kansas passed away early Monday morning, February 27, 2012 at William Newton Hospital.

Born May 22, 1940 at the family home in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Leon was the son of Walter Holice and Ethel Marie (Pinard) Howell. His family moved to California for a very short time before moving to Dexter, Kansas, where Leon was raised and educated. He and his brother, Don delivered papers in Dexter and Leon was always proud that he personally knew every person in town. He started working from the third grade up, helping locals with things like cleaning the chicken coops for twenty five cents. In 1957, his family moved to Winfield. Leon worked at Woods Grocery, the Silverdale Stone Quarry, Gordon Construction, and Walter Ditmore doing stone and brick work.

On January 21, 1961, he was united in marriage to Martha Austin in Alden, Kansas. The couple made their home in Winfield. In 1963, Leon began his career with the City of Winfield. He worked as a lineman and crew chief for thirteen and a half years before becoming the city inspector for another twenty five years. Leon retired from the City of Winfield in 2000. He was very proud of his time at the city and knew many people. He loved helping and working with contractors and the local business people. Leon also served as a reserve police officer for several years.

Leon was a longtime member of the First Assembly of God Church. He was a prayer warrior, Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He loved to minister to others both in and outside the church. He was also a member of the Winfield Masonic Lodge for thirty nine years. Leon enjoyed playing the guitar, writing songs, and singing. He won many talent contests, and was honored to be a featured artist at the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival in 1998. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, bowling and softball. He especially loved spending time with his family and cherished his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His family includes:
His wife: Martha of the home;
His son: Kim Howell and Sara of Winfield;
His daughter: Kandace Worsham and husband, Rodney of Medicine Lodge;
His brother: Don Howell and wife, Velma of Nampa, ID;
His sister: Shirley Stout and husband, George of McPherson;
His grandchildren: Spencer, Tayler and Hunter Howell, and Caleb and Olivia Worsham;
His great grandchildren: Chloe and Rhyder;
His special aunt: Iva Austin of Arkansas City;
Many nieces and nephews; and
Special friends: Ashley Twyman, Susan Schulte and Ashley McKnight.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 2, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at GracePointe Assembly of God Church. The casket will be open until service time. Interment and Masonic Committal Honors will follow at Parker Cemetery in Arkansas City. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Thursday evening from 4 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 5 to 6 that evening.

A Memorial has been established in Leon's name for the American Diabetes Association. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.