Gerald Asa (Jerry, Handsome) Howell of Wellington, KS passed away at the age of 83 on February 27, 2018 at Wellington Health and Rehab. Gerald was born in Wellington on March 30, 1934 to Nellie Viola and Lawrence Howell. He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, 1 sister and 1 infant great grandson, Xavier.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Martha; children, Julie (Ed) Desoignie, Eddie (Chris) Howell, Gerrie (Chad) Quall, Jodie (Lamar) Black, Carrie (Dave) Harris and Jenifer (Aaron) Hines; 16 Grandchildren, Kelly, Kylie, Lauren, Todd, Rachel, Troy, Travis, Morgan, Raeann, Kaylee, Jaden, Colton, Connor, Cameron, Grace and Olivia; 12 great grandchildren; brother, Lefty Howell; and several nieces and nephews.

Gerald was baptized into Christ at the Church of Christ in Wellington at the age of 12. He graduated from Wellington High in 1953 and joined the Navy where he served until 1957. Jerry spent most of his life as a salesman, supporting his family, in Wichita and Peabody then moved to Western Kansas where he owned and operated a grocery store in Ness City for several years. In 1991 Gerald and Martha moved to Joplin, MO where he was the manager for American Republic Insurance Company. Jerry served as an elder at the 26th and Connecticut Church of Christ in Joplin for several years.

Services will be held at the Church of Christ in Wellington on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. There will be no graveside services. Viewing will be at Frank Funeral Home in Wellington on Friday, March 2, 2018 from 1:00 – 8:00 P.M. The family will be there from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Church of Christ in Joplin, MO or Wellington.

Jerry was a good christian man and his family and friends meant the world to him. He was as selfless as any human could ever be. We will miss you Jode Acey, dad and grandpa. We love you!!!! See you in Beulah Land.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.