David E. Howell

David Eugene Howell, son of the late James Lee Howell of Birmingham, Alabama, and Ora Lee Howell of Haynesville, Alabama, was born on February 10, 1954, in Trenton, New Jersey. He departed this life on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Bergen Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey.

A lifelong resident of Trenton, David was educated in the Trenton Public School System. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1971, serving with dedication for 14 years. Rising to the rank of Sergeant, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and was recognized as a sharpshooter. While stationed in Germany, he also studied Taekwondo.

Affectionately known as “Day-Day,” David was a man of many words—but if you let him tell it -he doesn’t like to talk. Whether stopping a passerby on the street, standing on his post near his apartment corner waving as cars going by, sat with him telling jokes, heard him playing music in the park, or answered his phone call - We all know David can go! David was a very particular man he loved things in order, it didn’t matter if he received a dated letter, he would write the date he received it on the enveloped. He had a passion for cooking, especially baking his infamous butter pound cakes—though if you missed out, don’t ask him to make more, he would simply say, “I’ll make another one when I get ready.”

David loved music from all eras, watching movies, telling stories, driving, and tinkering with his car, which he insisted on starting every morning. He was funny, kind-hearted, and had a deep appreciation for the ladies. He lovingly called all his nieces “Ya-Ya” and was known for his signature phrases: “All right now” and “At ease.”

David was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Frasier “Willie” Moss and Kitty Hunter Moss of Haynesville, Alabama; his paternal grandparents, Willie 

Howell and Annie Mae Howell of Reynolds, Georgia; eleven paternal aunts and uncles (Vester, Wilbur, Willie, John, Archie, Olean, Betty, May Ellen, Florence, and Tessie Howard-Howell); six maternal aunts and uncles (Ruthie, Eula May, Pearline, Mary Lee, Roadie/Baby Joe, and Archie Moss-Hunter); his siblings Carol Lynn Howell, Dolores Brown, MaryAnn “Peanut” Howell, Maryann Howard, Jimmy L. Howard, John Wells, and Melvin “Bobby” Brown; three brothers-in-law, Larry C. Hightower, William “Red” Usman Berry, and Maurice R. Mander Sr.; one nephew, Kendrick Lee; and one great-nephew, Omar K. Hightower.

David leaves behind cherished memories with his siblings: Annie Ruth Lattimore, Eula May Lee, Jackie Tong Pun, JoAnn Berry, James M. Howell, Tyrone C. Howell, Clarence J. Howell, and stepsister Louise Salley. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, including Tyra L. Hightower, Monique Mander, Lameka Howell, Porsha Carter, Shaunice Carter, Sheryala Hill, Brandee Mims, Ayanna Howell, Patricia Harris, Ann Jackson, Howard “Spanky” Lewis, Kevin Divine Hightower, Maurice R. (Raheem) Mander, Terrence J. Howell, Keith and Melvin Hamilton, Baysean Howell, James & Antoine Hill, Lamar McNair, Marcus and Gregory Lee, Clarence Howell II, and Muzik Branch. He leaves behind many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends, and a special lifelong friend and brother-in-life, Clifford Law.

David’s humor, kindness, and unmistakable presence will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral service will 12pm Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Hughes Funeral Home, 324 Bellevue Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Calling hours will be 10am until the time of service. Interment will be at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

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