Robert "Bob" Gene Howell, who resided in Par Village near De Leon, Texas passed away on August 31, 2021.

Bob was born January 1, 1935 in De Leon and graduated from De Leon High School in 1953. Bob married his high school sweetheart Barbara, and they were happily married for 66 years. Barbara passed away April 19, 2021.

After high school, Bob attended Baylor University and University of Texas Medical School.  During medical school, Barbara gave birth to two sons, Mark and Mike. Daughter Kay was born while Bob was in the Air Force in Big Spring.

The couple then moved to Knox City, Texas and resided there from 1963-1982.   While in Knox City, Bob was self-employed as a family practice physician.  He had an extremely busy practice and had little time away from work. Bob and Barbara made many life-long friends in Knox City. Bob eventually closed his practice in Knox City and he taught at the University of Texas Family Practice residency program in Wichita Falls for 5 years. He finally retired at the age of 55 and he and Barbara returned home to Comanche County to live out their days.

Throughout his life, Bob was an avid golfer, fisherman, and gardener.  Bob played golf three times per week up until his death.

Bob is survived by two sons and a daughter and their spouses: John Mark Howell and wife, Joy, of Decatur; R. Michael Howell, MD and wife, Jana, of Fort Worth; and Kay Howell Rutherford and husband, Jay, of Aledo. Bob is also survived by eight grandchildren: Kristen Howell Riches and husband, Alan, of Ruidoso; Casey Howell Yoesting and husband, Tyler, of Richardson; Collin Howell and wife, Katie, of Fort Worth; Cayla Howell of Fort Worth; Connor Howell of Fort Worth; Anne Rutherford Stephenson and husband, Bryan, of San Francisco; Audrey Rutherford, MD of Dallas; and Ross Rutherford of Austin. Bob also has four great grandchildren: James Riches, Ellis Riches, Miller Yoesting, and Beck Howell.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara, his parents, J.P. Howell and Delia Lawless Howell; brothers, James Howell and Bill Howell; granddaughter, Ashley Rutherford; and grandson, Boone Rutherford.

We wish to thank special friends Rick and Shirley Sanchez, and Candy Meck Buckley for the loving care and attention they provided to Bob in his later years.

A celebration of life graveside service was held in De Leon Cemetery Saturday, September 4, 2021, at 11 a.m.  If desired memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Bob's wife, Barbara.