Wilbur Ray Howell aka Jack - Hootie, 82, of Springfield, MO passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2014. He was born in Springfield, MO to Raymond and Pearl Howell on June 15, 1931.

Jack and Dorothy grew up together and married in 1968, they were together 45 years. He worked at Loren Cook for 43 years as a steele fabricator. Jack was a life time member of the NRA and believed in the wild life conservation. He served proudly in the Army. He was an avid race fan and in his later years became a Raceway Ministries Prayer Leader for the races in the Springfield area. Jack was a foster parent to many kids and family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister Verbe and brother-in-law Jim Hide.

Jack is survived by his loving wife Dorothy; daughter Lorene Shipley; son Ralph Ieppert; grandson James Mattox; granddaughter Jessica (Justin) Freeman; great grandchildren Anika, Allen, Salvetor and Miles Freeman; his sister Bonnie Rodgers and nephew Jimmy and his 3 children.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 16, 2014 from 1-2 p.m with a service to follow at 2 p.m. held at Mt Zion Cuba in Grovesprings, MO. Burial to be in Mt Zion Cemetery.