Donald S. Howell, 84, 109 Home Ave., Celina died at 12:50 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.

He was born April 14, 1925, in Mercer County to Charles and Mellie Buck Howell. On April 5, 1957, he married Lelah Florence, who survives.

Other survivors are three sons, Donald Rick (Jeri) Howell, Gallipolis, Charles Robert Howell and David Allen (Gwen Sue) Howell, all of Celina; a daughter, Linda (Dennis) Plattner, New Bremen; a sister, Betty Dumbauld, Celina; a brother-in-law, Donald (Carol) Florence, Palm Springs, Calif; 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a brother, Russell Howell; five sisters, Madonna Reinhart, Lela Haas, Alberta Moorman, Marjorie Sommer and Maxine Gottschalk; and a sister-in-law, Delilah Fledderjohn.

He retired from the Celina Recreation Department and owned and operated Mercer County Farm Engine Services. He also worked at Ayers Asphalt and the former Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. He was a lifetime member and past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, all in Celina. He attended St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Celina. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp. during World War II from 1942-1945, in the Pacific Theater and Iwo Jima. He was wounded on the next to last day of battle, earning a Purple Heart and the Navy Cross.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Jeff Conrad officiating. Burial is at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina,

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday, and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home with military services conducted by the VFW and American Legion at 7 p.m.

Contributions can be made to the church or the Celina VFW.