Sammy Gene Howell

Sammy Gene Howell was called home into the loving arms of God on June 27, 2021 in Roswell, NM.
Sammy was born in Clovis, NM on July 13, 1943, to William John and Ada Josephine (Good) Howell. He graduated from Elida High School in 1960. While in school, Sammy played basketball and also ran track. After graduation, he attended Eastern New Mexico University for a short time. In 1964, he took over the family ranch, and continued to ranch his entire life.
Sammy was married to Judy Murrell in Roswell on Jan. 20, 1974. They welcomed a daughter, Dona Marie and a son, Charles Matthew.
Sammy had several interests in his life. He was a Past Master of the Elida Masonic Lodge. For many years he was a member of the Portales Country Club, where he enjoyed many hours playing golf with his friends. Sammy had served on the Soil Conservation District Board, as well as the Elida School Board. As a young man he competed in the RCA as a steer roper. He was a member of the Kenna Community Church.
In addition to golfing, and roping, Sammy enjoyed playing dominoes, studying ancient artifacts (arrowheads) and spending time with his family. Sammy had a humble servant’s heart, and was a great steward of the land. He enjoyed helping and fellowshipping with others, and he never spoke ill of anyone.
He is survived by Judy, his wife of more than 47 years; daughter and son-in-law, Dona and Bill Marley of Roswell, NM; son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Dana Jo Howell of Elida; grandchildren, Cally and Caysie Wood and Ryon Howell; his mother and father-in-law Jammie and John Murrell of Roswell, NM; a sister-in-law, Diane Sterrett of Roswell, NM and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Josie Howell, a very special cousin, Betty Jo (Good) Luck and many other loved family members. Graveside services for Sammy Howell, 77, of Elida, NM were held on June 30, 2021 in the Kenna Cemetery with Don Thomas officiating, assisted by Jeff Bilberry. Ryon Howell, Jeff Bilberry, Trent Bilberry, Cody Ferguson, Bill Marley, Shawn Richardson, Chek Rippee, Jesse Ward and Jimmy Dale Ward served as pallbearers. All members of the community, his many friends family members and neighbors will serve as honorary pallbearers. Following the graveside service, a celebration of Sammy’s life was held at the Elida Community Center.
Those desiring to make memorial contributions may send them to the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home, P O Box 629, Portales, NM 88130.
Services under the direction of Wheeler Mortuary of Portales, Inc., 500 E. Third St., Portales, NM 88130, wheelermortuary.net