Samuel Winfield Howell

Helping family or friends in their time of need without them even asking, putting the needs of others before one’s own, and taking the time to do something right the first time are characteristics of a good man and a few of the many gifts God provided Samuel W. Howell.

Samuel Winfield Howell, 24, is resting in his eternal home with his Savior, Jesus Christ following an auto accident that occurred on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

He was the youngest of four sons, born on August 30, 1998 to Harold R. and Melanie A. (Detterman) Howell. Sam was a lifelong area resident who learned some valuable lessons from both his father and grandfather while growing up and made those around him better as he was always willing to share his knowledge. With patience and the help of his dad, he turned a GMC S-15 into something to be proud of.

Sam graduated from Wayside Christian School in 2016 and a short time later, met Alyssa B. Payne through a friend. This was love at first sight and on October 15, 2021, they married. He was proud to be her husband and the responsibilities that came with the relationship. They had purchased an old home, and just like the cars he rebuilt, he poured his life into making their home a better place for them. Samuel worked for a number of years at Kalmbach Feeds as a maintenance technician and was just recently hired at Walters’ Boiler Works in Fremont, where he felt challenged and looked forward to moving up in the company.

Samuel was a God-fearing man who loved the Lord. In his younger years, he worshiped at Wayside Chapel, where he was baptized in 2017. More recently, he and Alyssa enjoyed attending both Wayside and Fusion Church in Lexington.

Sam was a man with a plan and was always prepared for the unexpected. He never left projects unfinished, and we will never know how many times his handy pocket crescent wrench got him and others out of a bind. He cherished time spent in the Bluegrass State, where his family roots run deep. They shared many hikes, 4-wheeler adventures, and the beautiful scenery that Kentucky offered. Sam also looked forward to vacations with Alyssa’s family in Destin, Florida where he never had enough sunblock. Sam was a responsible gun owner and enjoyed shooting whenever he could. He was always tinkering with something and finding projects to keep him busy. When he did relax, it was often with Alyssa to watch a movie or catch up with their Netflix shows. He liked gaming, and Call of Duty was what he often played. He had spent several years playing BAY Soccer and recently took up the game of golf.

Samuel will be deeply missed by his wife, Alyssa; parents, Harold and Melanie; brothers, Jacob (Jennifer) Howell, Ethan (Rachelle) Howell, and Henry (Fiancé Tiffany Sykes) Howell; nieces and nephew, Rebekah, Allison, Jossee, Paisley and Carter; maternal grandparents, Gerald and Donna Detterman; paternal grandmother, Bonnie Howell; father and mother-in-law, who loved him like a son, Dan and Jennifer Payne; sisters-in-law, Alivia and Kayla Payne as well as several other extended family members and friends.

Samuel has been reunited in Heaven with his paternal grandfather, Gene Howell.

All calling hours and funeral services for Sam will be held at Wayside Chapel, 2341 Kerstetter Road, Bucyrus. His family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Tuesday, May 2nd and his funeral will begin at 1:00pm Wednesday, May 3rd with Pastor Jerrill Wyler officiating. Samuel will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery, Bucyrus.

If desired, donations can be made payable to Wayside Christian School or his wife Alyssa Howell, and will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service or at the church during his services. Expressions of sympathy and photos are encouraged to be shared on his tribute wall.