Obituary of Louis L. Howell

Louis Lee Howell (fondly referred to as Coach Howell, Lou, "Sweet Lou" and Poppy or Poppy Lou as nicknamed by his players, friends and grandchildren) passed away peacefully on October 26th at home, three weeks after his 80th birthday. Lou was born on October 7th,1943 in Louisville, Kentucky, the only son of Frances and Homer Elliott "Dixie" Howell. His father Dixie was a Major League baseball player and member of the World Champion 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers. Lou was chosen in the fifth round of the 1965 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees and was assigned to the Binghamton Triplets where he played from 1965-1968. It was during his time as a Triplet that he met and eventually married Kate, the love of his life. He attended Kentucky Wesleyan College and received his teaching and master's degrees at SUNY Cortland. Lou started his teaching career at Catholic Central High School, then progressing to Susquehanna Valley Schools where he went on to serve as a teacher, Athletic Director, and coach of many sports, enjoying a career that lasted over 30 years. In retirement, Lou enjoyed working with Jim Miller as an assistant coach of the Seton varsity baseball team and was recently honored by induction to the Greater Binghamton Hall of Fame in recognition of his baseball and coaching accomplishments. Lou is survived by Kate, his loving wife of 54 years, his children Joe (Jodie) Howell, Kara (Jim) Giblin, and Mike (Lindsey) Howell, and seven adoring grandchildren: Kiernan, Kathleen, Rose, Lauren, Nicholas, Madelyn, and Bennett. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Rita Martin, and many special nieces. Lou loved history, any sweet treat, his beloved Bassett hound, Sam, watching countless sports teams including Notre Dame, the NY Giants, and his forever favorite New York Yankees. Above all he truly loved his family. We will cherish his smile and our countless memories of him. His light will continue to shine, and his legacy will live on within his grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff of Binghamton General Hospital and Lourdes Hospice for their care of dad over the past few months and weeks. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in honor of Lou to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Patrick's Church, corner of Oak and Leroy Streets, Binghamton, Friday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. The Mass will be livestreamed at tinyurl.com/12w5eun or by going to https://sta-sp.org/