Clement William Howell, 89, of Springfield Missouri passed away, from natural causes, at his home on June 14, 2017. Bill was born on July 11, 1927 in Pittsfield, Illinois to Artie and Maxine Howell.

Bill enlisted in the Navy in March 1945 while a senior in High School. He was stationed at Subic Bay Naval Station in the Philippine Islands from July 1945 to November 1946. He was grateful to President Truman for releasing the "A" bomb as he and his shipmates at Subic Bay were scheduled to be on the invasion force into Japan. Bill served the next 18 months in the Pacific on the USS Gen J.C. Breckinridge AP 176. He was honorably discharged in July 1948. Upon discharge Bill enrolled in Culver Stockton College. When the Korean War started, Bill again volunteered to return to active duty and he remained in the Navy until he retired in 1968. During his Naval career he was stationed in Hannibal and Springfield, MO. After his retirement from the navy, Bill began taking night classes at Drury University and received both his BS and Master''s Degrees in Education. He returned to college and received his Administrative Specialist at SMS. He spent the next 20 years at Cherokee Middle School, serving as Social Studies teacher, Boy''s Counselor and the last 8 years he served as Assistant Principal.

Bill was very active in the community with a variety of school programs. He became a Shriner and attained the office of Chief Greeter. Bill was also very active in the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, playing an instrumental role in establishing the Elks Lodge #2777 in Ozark, MO. He served two terms as Exalted Ruler and one year as District Deputy, and also was a chairman and served on many committees. Bill was also an active member of Cassidy United Methodist Church in Fremont Hills, MO. The Veterans and Youth Groups he served were his main interest.

Bill married Arlene Faris and they were blessed with five children. Later in life Bill married Eleanor Rothelmel.

Proceeding Bill in death are his parents; wife, Eleanor; children, William Craig and Terri Lynn; and sister, Wanda. He is survived by his brothers, Lyle and wife Bernie, Jerry and wife Linda, Conley and wife Sandy; sister, Geneva Mae.; son, Timothy and wife Cheryl; daughters, Susan, Sandra and husband Steven; 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and a host of nieces nephews and countless friends. Bill will be greatly missed by all whose heart had been touched by him.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation held one hour prior at 10:00 a.m. at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte (4500 S. Lone Pine Springfield, MO) a burial will follow in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens.