David Joel Howells

David Joel Howells was born in Union, Utah, on February 24, 1933, and passed away at age 88 from heart failure in Rigby, Idaho on March 2, 2021.

David grew up in what is now Midvale, Utah, and graduated from Jordan High School. He was raised on his family’s farm where he grew up helping care for many fruit trees and thousands of chickens providing eggs for the community. He attended Trade Tech Automotive School in Salt Lake City in 1953 where he first developed a love for repairing cars. David was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served a mission in the California San Bernardino Mission in 1955. After obtaining a Bachelor's degree in accounting from LDS Business college, he worked at the Church Office Building where he met the love of his life, LaRue Chapman. They were married in the Manti Temple April 10, 1963. He began his working career working with the Church, Foulger Equipment and eventually moved to Intermountain Electric as an accountant where the majority of his working years were spent leading to his retirement at the age of 72.

David enjoyed working in the yard and taught all of his children the love of cultivating a garden. The fruits and vegetables of this labor were consumed and enjoyed year after year. He worked hard to overcome many hardships, including multiple back surgeries, losing a child, and changing employment, however through his consistent efforts he was able to provide for his family. Though he was an accountant by trade, David truly loved fixing other household items that needed repairs, such as broken watches, hand irons, vacuums -- often for neighbors and at no cost. His hobby was to purchase cars, repair them, and sell them for little or no profit to people who needed a low cost vehicle. He was a generous and thoughtful man.

Somehow David made all his children believe they were his favorite child by showing love and concern for each one. He created special moments in their lives that reflected his love as a father. His life was measured in the smiles, comfort, and joy he brought to the many lives he encountered.

He was a devoted son, father and husband who brought joy and laughter to almost any situation with his amazing “dad jokes” and unique sense of humor. David was severely hard of hearing, so he was unable to hear and participate in most conversations. However, he always found a way to make everyone else feel included and bring laughter to each family gathering.

David loved music and enjoyed singing with the family around the player piano. Despite his hearing loss he had a beautiful singing voice, and he spent countless hours in voice lessons and choir practice to enhance his talent for vocal performance.

David suffered a stroke in 2018, paralyzing the right side of his body. He remained determined to continue to learn and grow, and he pressed forward with an amazing attitude of love and patience. He called his stroke his “blessing” because of the life lessons he learned from it. Shortly after David’s stroke, David and LaRue moved into the home of their daughter in Rigby, Idaho. Strengthened by the love and support of her extended family, LaRue remained by David’s side until his passing.

David is survived by his wife of 57 years, LaRue Chapman Howells. Children: Roger (Sandra) Michelle (Brent Twede), Janae (Cris Baird), Rebecca (Todd Astill), Daniel (Rachel), Angela (Mark Bunnell). Blessed with 37 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by daughter Heather Howells, parents Benjamin Francis Howells Sr. and Sylvia Tuttle Howells, and his 5 brothers: Benjamin, Thomas, Peter, James, and Samuel Howells. He has now been reunited with many loved ones. It must be quite a joyous reunion. Matthew 25:21 “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…”

A lifetime of love and memories will live on through his family.

Funeral Services limited in attendance for immediate family will be held at 11AM on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy. Masks and social distancing will be required per the current COVID regulations. For all whose lives were touched David but are unable to attend in person, the family would like to invite you to attend the services virtually which will be live streamed via Zoom with a link above. Interment to follow the services at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.

To view the previously held services, please use the Zoom link above.