Cary F. Howell died on October 17, 2023 in Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, Illinois after a lengthy illness.  Cary was born June 8, 1943 in LaHarpe, IL to Richard F. and Idelle Hollingsworth Howell.  During high school, Cary worked at the LaHarpe Lumber Company, which was owned and operated by his father.  After his graduation from high school, Cary joined the United States Army and completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.  He then was sent to Bad Kreusnach, Germany and remained there as a supply clerk for three years.  Upon his return to the United States, he got a job with Essex Wire Company in Rockford, IL and worked there until he retired 35 years later. He was a member of the American Legion.

On October 28, 2004, Cary married Melinda Iguiron in Rockford, IL.  She survives.

Cary was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Idelle Howell; his step-mother, Beulah Howell; a brother, Carle Howell; a sister-in-law Sharon Howell, his grandparents, and many aunts and uncles.

Cary is survived by his wife, Melinda; a brother, Richard H. Howell (Jerrie) of Burlington, IA; a sister, Susan Schmitz (Mark) of Quincy, IL;  a sister-in-law, Kazuko Howell of Quincy, IL; a nephew, Richard D. H. Howell (Annie) of Italy; a niece, Clare Schmitz of Quincy, IL, and several great nieces and a great nephew from Italy.

Friends may call from 1:00 until 1:50 p.m. Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, followed by  a graveside service, with Military Honors, at 2:00 p.m.,  at the Stronghurst Cemetery.