Stephen Clayton Howell, age 68, of Elliott, Iowa, passed away Friday, March 30, 2018 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital. Steve was born June 13, 1949 in Red Oak, Iowa the son of William and Betty (Murphy) Howell. He was raised in Elliott graduating from Griswold High School in 1967. He attended Iowa Western Community College and graduated in 1969. He lived in Glenwood, Iowa when he was going to school and worked for the Glenwood Opinion Tribune. He was united in marriage to Ronda Robbins on August 10, 1968 in Griswold, Iowa. They moved to Council Bluffs after marriage and Steve worked for Midwest Press as a type setter. They later moved to Omaha for several years before making their home in Elliott, Iowa. Steve worked for Kaiser Consumer Lime Products later known as Schildbergs. He retired in 1998 due to health reasons. Steve was a longtime member of the Elliott United Methodist Church and a 45 year member of the Elliott Fire Department. Steve served as District Coordinator for the department for many years. He was very involved in the community and served as Mayor for many years. He was known as the “Governor” of Elliott. Steve loved Christmas and Halloween and was known for his wonderful decorations for both holidays. He and Ronda also spent many hours riding motorcycles.

Preceding him in death were his parents. Survivors include his wife: Ronda Howell of Elliott, IA; children: Amy Payne and husband Tony of Jefferson, SD; Shannon King and John Newell of Griswold, IA; and Eric Howell and wife Jacque of Elliott, IA; grandchildren: Madisen Payne of Jefferson, SD; Dakotah King of Atlantic, IA; Ciara King of Griswold, IA; Sydney Payne of Jefferson, SD; Noah King of Griswold, IA; and Ryla and Harper Howell of Elliott, IA; great granddaughter: Kayleigh King of Atlantic, IA; “Cuddles” the dog; sisters: Nancy Taylor and husband Bill of Grant, IA and Kathy Rush and husband Joe of Griswold, IA; sister-in-law: Leah Wright and husband Tom of Griswold, IA; brother-in-law: David Robbins and wife Elaine of Council Bluffs, IA; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the Elliott United Methodist Church. Visitation with the family will be held from 6-8 PM Monday, April 2, 2018 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, Iowa. Memorials are suggested to the Elliott Fire Department or the Elliott United Methodist Church.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.