Burke H. Howell

January 15, 2014

SUFFOLK — Burke Hobson Howell, 87, of Richmond, passed away Jan. 15, 2014, at Cedarfield retirement community, where he had been a resident since 2005. Born March 5, 1926, in Suffolk, he was the son of the late Dewey Hobson Howell and Louise Barnes Howell.

Mr. Howell was a graduate of Suffolk High School and attended Virginia Tech before returning home to become owner of Suffolk Quality Cleaners, which he successfully owned and operated for 40 years until 1987. He was a member and former president of the Virginia Drycleaners Association.

A life-long member of Suffolk Christian Church, he served as deacon and treasurer. He was a long-time and active member of Suffolk Rotary Club and Suffolk Golf Association. He was a former director of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and was a member of the Masons, Shriners and Elks.

He is survived by his wife of 61years, Madelyn Doyle Howell; a daughter, Lynda Weston and husband, Ernie; a son, Steve Howell and wife, Amy; three grandchildren, Tyler Howell, Delaney and Reid Weston, all of Richmond; and beloved cousins.

Burke was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather. He cherished relationships with his many friends. He was an avid golfer and played for many years into his 80s. He was pleased to have shot under his age multiple times and to have a hole-in-one.

After moving to Richmond, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and attending his grandchildren’s many sporting events. However, Suffolk was always “home” to him, and he was proud of his many relationships and accomplishments there.

A celebration of life will be held at Suffolk Christian Church, 216 N. Main St., Suffolk, on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2:30 p.m. A memorial service will be held in Richmond at Cedarfield, 2300 Cedarfield Parkway, on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Suffolk Christian Church. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., Suffolk, is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.