Robert Eugene Howell, 61, of Bushnell, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026. He was born May 3, 1965, in Macomb, Illinois, the son of Edward and Betty (Liniger) Howell. He married Kathy Jo Agans on July 26, 1986, in Bushnell, Illinois. She survives.
Robert was a 1983 graduate of Bushnell-Prairie City High School. Following graduation, he worked for Bushnell Tank Company from 1983 until 1989. He then began working for Vaughn & Bushnell, now known as Marshalltown.
Robert was an avid outdoorsman who especially enjoyed deer hunting, whether with a bow or shotgun. He also loved fishing and spending time tending to his garden. The outdoors was where Robert was happiest, and these were interests he enjoyed throughout his life.
Surviving is his wife, Kathy Howell of Bushnell; one daughter, Becca Howell of Bushnell; three grandchildren, Braden Lewis, Kallie English, and Parker Howell; his siblings, Barb (Ron) Smith of Bushnell, Dixie Gutting of Canton, Missouri, Michael (Peggy) Howell of Bushnell, Roger Howell of Bushnell, and Charles (Tracie) Howell of Colchester.
Also surviving is his mother-in-law, Betty Agans of Bushnell; brothers-in-law, Jim Agans of Bushnell and Charles Agans of Idaho; sisters-in-law, Susan (Dave) Havens of Prairie City and Lisa Bulington of Macomb; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Justin Howell; his father-in-law, Edward Agans; and brothers-inlaw, Steven Agans and Ron Gutting.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Bushnell VFW Post 1422. Burial of ashes will be held at a later date in Bushnell Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Robert Howell.
Martin-Hollis Funeral Home in Bushnell is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com
