C. David Howell, 83, of Forks Township, died Friday, August 30, 2024 in St. Luke’s Hospital. Born February 26, 1941 in Easton, he was the son of the late Chauncey D. Howell, Sr. and J. Kathryn (Shirer) Howell. He and his wife, Reta (Wells) Howell were married 43 years. David was a trial attorney in his earlier life and then became an Assistant Attorney General supervising both the Chicago and Springfield, IL areas. He retired in 2003. He attended Francis A. March School and Blair Academy and was a graduate of University of Virginia. He attended Tulane University Law School and received his law degree from Villanova University. David served on the Northampton County Democratic Committee and the Northampton County Children, Youth and Families advisory board. He was a member of the Forks Township Zoning Hearing Board and served on the Forks Township Board of Supervisors. In addition, he was a Lehigh County Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children and was a member of the Easton Lions Club, Wheels of Time, and the Pomfret Club.
When David and Reta retired in 2003, they moved from Chicago to David’s hometown of Easton – a place where, to Reta’s relief, there were more trees than people. David was not ready for retirement and immediately became involved in local Forks Township government. He was a strong advocate and led the way for major enhancements to the quality of life for its residents.
David enjoyed gardening and with Reta’s help planted trees and shrubs, built stone walls and created a beautiful garden on the barren, rocky hillside behind their house. He was a member of the Rhododendron Society of the U.S., Lehigh Valley Chapter.
David was a motorcycle enthusiast and even convinced Reta to ride with him at times. He loved old cars, Jaguars in particular, and his wonderfully restored old 1962 Ford truck. More importantly, David and Reta were avid supporters of the arts community of Easton. Their home was filled with works primarily by Pennsylvania artists.
David loved all animals – especially the deer on Paxinosa Road. They adopted two retired racing greyhounds and David greatly enjoyed walking Roxy, and in later years, Jersey Flyer. This gave him the opportunity to meet and talk with all of their neighbors.
David had a great interest in Civil War history and Abraham Lincoln. He was a member of the Civil War Round Table in Chicago. He was educated in the South and helped to register black voters during the 60’s. He was also a member of the Edward Howell Family Association, an ancestor who was one of the first settlers of Southampton, LI.
David wanted to thank all of his friends and neighbors who supported him and his wife during his extended illness. He was extremely grateful for their kindness.
Surviving with his wife, Reta, are a daughter, Caryn Pelegrino; a sister, Sally Gundy and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Chauncey Howell, Jr.
Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, September 8, 2024 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Interment will be private in Forks Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.
