Merle Lee Howell's Obituary
Merle Lee Howell
August 24, 1931 - January 10, 2026
Merle Lee Howell, 94, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026. He was born on August 24, 1931, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Aaron Howell and Helen Curtis, and his life reflected the warmth, work ethic, and generosity of spirit that defined his upbringing.
Merle graduated from Central High School in 1949 and immediately began building a career marked by dedication, integrity, and an extraordinary gift for connecting with people. From 1949 to 1965, he worked for J.D. Young Company in Tulsa. In 1965, he joined Xerox Corporation, where he would leave an indelible mark. When he arrived, Xerox had virtually no presence in Southeast Oklahoma. By the time he left in 1976, Merle had transformed the region into a thriving territory, generating enough business to keep three full‑time repair technicians busy. His remarkable success earned him national recognition, numerous awards, and several unforgettable international trips for himself and his wife, Mary Lou. In 1976, he returned to J.D. Young, where he continued his career until retiring in 1996.
Merle’s life journey took him from Tulsa—where he was born, raised, worked, and married—to McAlester in 1968, where he and his family lived until 1978. It was during those years in McAlester that Merle discovered his lifelong passion for golf. Any free moment was spent at the McAlester Country Club, where the Howell family were proud members. In 1978, he returned to the Tulsa area, eventually settling in Broken Arrow, where he lived for the remainder of his life.
Merle married Mary Lou Petri on September 4, 1954, and they spent 62 years together before her passing. Together they made countless memories including raising 3 sons, Larry, David and Steven.
As a young man, Merle enjoyed roller skating and tennis, but it was golf that became his enduring pastime. He cherished time on the course, the camaraderie, and the friendly competition. Beyond sports, Merle and Mary Lou shared a love for RV travel. Together, they explored countless destinations. They accompanied their son Larry and his family, creating memories that became treasured family stories.
Merle’s personality was his superpower. Social, outgoing, and endlessly warm, he never met a stranger. His customers became friends, and his friends became extended family. He loved his work not just for the success it brought him, but for the people it allowed him to meet. His community admired him, his colleagues respected him, and his family adored him.
Merle is reunited with his father Aaron Howell; mother Helen Curtis; stepfather Joe Curtis; and wife Mary Lou Howell; along with a host of extended family and friends that went on before him.
Merle is survived by his sons Larry, and wife Valerie Howell; David Howell, and Vicki Anderson; Steven and wife Robyn Howell; his sister Linda Abel; his granddaughters Kayla Howell; Christina Howell; Lindsay Howell; and nephews Jason Abel; Aaron Abel; and a host of other family and friends that will forever miss and love him.
Merle leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, humor, and genuine connection—a life lived fully and joyfully, with a handshake as firm as his character and a smile as bright as his spirit.
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