Lance Howell

Lance Thatcher Howell, age 75 of Fairview, passed away on Sunday January 21, 2018 at Costamed Hospital after becoming ill while on a vacation with his wife and friends in Cozumel, Mexico.

He was born in Erie PA on October 27, 1942, a son of the late Frank W. and Cynthia M. Howell.

Lance graduated in the class of 62 from Strong Vincent High School, and served in the U.S. Army.

He was the owner of Howell Communications for many years, and the Howell Company and Information Transfer Systems. He maintained a communication tower in the county. Lance had previously worked at A T & T in Erie and Waterford.

Lance was a member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers, and he had a ham radio license.  He was Past Commander of the Erie Power Squadron.  Lance became a Master Mason in 1989, joining Lawrence Lodge No. 708 and presiding as its Worshipful Master in 1994.  He was a Noble of Zem Zem Shrine, serving in the Knights of Mecca.  Based on his Blue Lodge and York Rite service, Lance was awarded the prestigious Knight York Cross of Honor (KYCH).

He enjoyed boating, motorcycling, and traveling, and always had a joke or a pun to share with friends and strangers alike. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers: Brian A. Howell in 1975 and David M. Howell in October, 2017.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia Mognet Howell; two sisters-in-law, Peggy (Lester) Vough and Carolyn Davis; three nieces, Lisa (Kenny Brookman), Janice (Jeff) Curtis and Sharon Vough; one nephew, Brian Vough; and his mother-in-law, Edna Mognet.

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10^th Street on Wednesday from 2pm until the time of the Masonic Service at 5 pm.  A private burial will take place in Erie Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 1645 West 8^th Street, Erie PA  16505.

Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.