Robert Alfred Howell, 85 of Flushing, Ohio died Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Emerald Pointe in Barnesville.

Robert was born February 23, 1933 in Wheeling, WV, the son of the late Donald K. Howell and Anna Lyle Howell.

Survivors include his wife, Ellen Fulton Howell; daughters, Patricia (James) Vaughn of Byesville, OH and Peggy Howell of St. Clairsville, OH; sons, Randy (Diane) Howell of Cadiz, OH and John (Leanne) Howell of Flushing, OH; sister, Nancy Howell Davis of New Holland, OH; grandsons, Ty Howell and Ian Howell of Cadiz, OH, John A. Howell and Benjamin Howell of Flushing, OH.; great granddaughter, Brooke Howell of Cadiz, OH.

Robert spent his life in Flushing living and working on the century old family farm. He graduated from Flushing High School in 1951. After graduation he attended The Ohio State University and then decided he could no longer tolerate being away from the love of his life, Ellen Fulton, and they were married September 12, 1953. Moving to the family farm, Robert was a dairy farmer and then began to raise beef cattle. He was a heavy equipment operator in open pit mines and also sold silos and grain bins for Martin Steel Co. as seen all over the Panhandle area. He also drove school bus for Flushing and Union Local Schools for 37 years, retiring in 1993.

He was an avid photographer, taking photos of area weddings, family reunions, and civic functions. He worked with the 1988 Belmont County history book, taking pictures all over the county. Robert was a collector of pictures of Flushing's past. He was a lifetime member of The Flushing United Methodist Church.

Always civic minded, Robert served on the Belmont County School Board for 21 years, was a Trustee of the Victoria Read Public Library in Flushing, a member of the Belmont County Genealogy Society, a member of the First Families of Belmont County, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution-Ebenezer Zane Chapter. A lifetime member of the Welsh National Society, an active member of the Republican Party, a Charter member of the Flushing Ruritan organization, and an Honorary Emeritus member of the Belmont County Mansion Museum in Barnesville, OH.

Friends will be received at Flushing United Methodist Church on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of service at 2 p.m. with Pastor Al Hoder officiating.

Burial follows in Rock Hill Cemetery, Flushing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Flushing United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 286, Flushing, OH 43977, Victoria Read Public Library, 300 High St., Flushing, OH 43977, or Hospice of Guernsey, 9711 E. Pike Rd., Cambridge, OH 43725.

The Howell family would like to extend special thanks to Bob's hospice nurse, Michelle for her exceptional care and kindness and to Dr. Patcha and his staff for their loving care.

Arrangements by Toothman Funeral Home, St. Clairsville.