Celebration of the Life of Reverend Kenneth Dean Howell Thursday, November 13, 2014 Rev. Kenneth Dean Howell (79) of Warrensville- beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, friend, and trusted mentor, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, November 13, 2014. Rev. Howell was born in Ashe County on December 22, 1934 to the late Roger Dent Howell and Berniece Jones Howell. Ken graduated from Lansing High School in Lansing, NC. On June 19, 1954, Kenneth married the love of his life, Clarcy Marie Ring and they began their lifelong love story together. She preceded him in death on December 13, 2010, after 57 beautiful years of marriage. After winning a Bluegrass Music Competition, he was propelled into the music industry. Ken was soon performing across the east coast and eventually on the weekly Arthur Smith television program. He also appeared on the Jimmy Dean Show. In May 1963, Ken and Clarcy joined Kannapolis Wesleyan Methodist Church. In the early days of his faith, Ken committed himself to the study of God's Word. After accepting Christ into his life, Ken quickly turned his love of music to inside the church. Ken was often found singing church solos as well as traveling to perform in quartets for area churches. His love of music was evidenced through many wonderful times of singing with the Williams brothers, the Grubb family, and especially with his dear wife- Clarcy, as they formed a respected duet team. On October 12, 1965, Ken recommitted his life to Christ; the following month he felt God was calling him into full-time church ministry. He was granted a Local Preacher's License by the Wesleyan Methodist Quarterly Conference. When he began preaching, he translated his love of the Word of God into the pulpit ministry and his teaching. Ken was later ordained by the Wesleyan Methodist Church after earning his credentials through correspondence courses from the conference. He began his full-time pastoral ministry in York, SC and for 41 years, Ken faithfully served seven congregations full-time and then supplied two others. The churches at which Ken & Clarcy ministered include: York Wesleyan Methodist Church- York, SC; Bennettsville Wesleyan Church- Bennettsville, SC; Cumberland Community Church- Cumberland, MD; Baldwin Community Church- Todd, NC; Forest City Missionary Methodist Church- Forest City, NC; Mt Jefferson Nazarene Church- West Jefferson, NC; Shelter Baptist Church- Jefferson, NC. In 2008, Ken retired from full-time ministry. Throughout his life, Ken poured himself into the deeper realms of theology and became an avid lifelong student. He especially enjoyed teaching the Book of Revelation to his church parishioners. He truly loved God's Word and dedicated his life to it. Throughout his many travels and journeys- wherever his ministry took him, Ken never lost his adoration for the majesty of the North Carolina Mountains and for the outdoors. Ken's favorite pastimes included fishing and hunting, basking in the beauty of God's outdoor creation, while spending time with family and close friends. However, his most treasured times were the simple quiet moments spent at his Teaberry Road Mountain Home in North Carolina, with Clarcy and the family. Rev. Howell is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother, and one granddaughter. He is survived by two sons- Kenny (Cathy) Howell of Dallas, NC, and Rev. Donny (Elaine) Howell of Marion, IN; four grandchildren- Elisabeth (Kyle) Haywood of Dallas, NC; Caitlin (Joe) Floyd of Dallas, NC; Denáe Howell of Colorado Springs, CO; Garrett Howell of Marion, IN; two great grandchildren- Raegan & Kenley Haywood of Dallas, NC. Ken is also survived by sisters Faye (Mike) Blevins of Fleetwood, NC; Alta Sue (Steve) Elledge of Reedsville, NC; Helen (Steve) Blizzard of Greensboro, NC; and brother, Bruce (Kathy) Howell, of Franklin, NC. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 19 at 1:00 pm at the Boone Family Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Wiest and Rev. Caroll Flack officiating. Prior to the service, the family will welcome and receive friends from 12:15 pm -1:00 pm on Wednesday, November 19. Burial will follow at the Weaver Family Cemetery in Lansing, NC. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Weaver Family Cemetery, c/o Sue Eldreth, 1788 Teaberry Road, Warrensville, NC 28693.