Services for Fern Kimmey Howell, 77, Van, were held at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Union Chapel Methodist Church with Rev. David Musslewhite officiating.
Burial was in Union Chapel Cemetery under direction of Hilliard Funeral Home, Van.
Mrs. Howell died June 11, 2008, at her residence.
She was born August 8, 1930 in Denver, Colo., to R.P. and “Bea” Kimmey. Previously of Dallas, she was a longtime resident of Van. She bought an H&R Block franchise in Van in the mid-1960s, which she operated for more than 30 years until 1998. She held a Treasury Card as part of her accomplishments through tax preparation. She won numerous awards, including Outstanding Franchise in Texas, Texas Top 20 Club, top Franchise Producer and Top Franchise in the State of Texas for more than 20 years. She was one of the original founders of the Van Zandt Children’s Home in Fruitvale, and was honored as Mrs. Yesteryear 2007 in the Van Oil Festival.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, James Arnold Howell, in 2006; her parents; and brother, Ronald Kimmey.
Survivors include sons and daughter-in-law, John A. Howell, and Eric and Lisa Howell, all of Van; grandchildren, William, Kathryn, Valerie, Adam, Lucas, Landon and Jade; aunt, Phyllis Green, Van; sisters-in-law, Mable Crow, Tyler, and Freida Howell, Van; dear friend, Ruth Dolan, Denver; and other relatives.
Pallbearers included Larry Kimmey, Gene Howell, Ardie Howell, James Lloyd Russell, Milton Stewart and Cathy Touhy.
Honorary pallbearers were Raymond Howell, Guy Stewart, Bob Morris and Adam Howell.
Memorials may be made to Union Chapel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 237, Van, TX 75790, or to the Van Zandt County Children’s Home, P.O. Box 250, Fruitvale, TX 75127.
