Joe C. Howell

Joe Carnathan Howell, 81, passed away peacefully in hospice care on September 29, 2023. Joe was born in Carthage, Texas on December 17, 1941, to the late John Lee and Vesta Pearl Rhiddlehoover Howell. Joe married the love of his life, Linda Melton Howell, on Saint Patrick’s Day and she preceded him in death on July 18, 2017. They were happily married for 49 years. Joe Howell was born and raised in the shoe repair business. His father, John Lee Howell, started the business in 1927 and passed the business to his son. After Joe graduated from Carthage High School, he apprenticed with one of the best shoe repair stores in Houston for four years. Joe returned to Carthage in 1964 to take over his father’s shop in Carthage. During a small break, Joe moved to Longview and was involved in selling safety shoes to industries in the area. It was short stint, and then Joe returned full time to the shoe repair business. In 1973, Joe established Brookwood Village Shoe Hospital. The shoe shop has been a staple in the Longview community and will be missed greatly. Joe was known as the Sole Man and loved to shine and repair boots and shoes. Joe learned his trade from his father, John Lee Howell and crafted the art of shoe and boot repair. He served as mentor and worked alongside his nephew, Bobby Reed, who operates his own shoe repair shop in Carthage. He even taught his grandson’s how to shine shoes and loved spending time with them. Joe used to love watching his grandkids play sports too when they were little. Joe enjoyed serving the residents of Longview and surrounding areas for the past five decades. He loved his customers and looked forward to their company. When not at the shoe shop, you would likely find him next door at the barber shop talking to Mr. Mike and if you go way back Mr. Willie and Mr. Clarance. He was more than the Sole Man, Joe loved being able tell his customers and friends about his family. He was a loving father figure who helped raise his three girls and provide for his family. Joe enjoyed frequent dining with his close friends and family. He also liked to watch Green Acre Church sermon every Sunday morning and after work each day caught up on Young and the Restless. Also, he always looked forward to the new season of Dancing with the Stars. Joe loved it when his daughter Ashley would make her famous Bistro BLT and his daughter Crystal would make a fresh pot of purple hull peas. Joe also raised and showed quarter horses for several decades where he won countless awards and was also a member of The American Quarter Horse Association. Joe was a father figure, papa, the best uncle anyone could ever ask for, brother and friend. Joe had so many good lifelong friends that he cared for dearly. Growing up a niece or nephew, you always had a lap to sit on, a shoulder to cry on, and if you needed someone to walk you down the aisle, he was there for you. One of Joe’s many talents though was making people laugh and smile, even on a bad day. Joe often opened his heart and his doors to people in need. Joe was very loved and cherished by his family and friends. He made a real difference in the lives he touched, and you were fortunate to know him and be in his presence. He is survived by his three girls; Crystal Bowles and husband Patrick, Angela Ice (Ben) and Ashley Privett; nephew, Bobby Reed and wife Brandi; sister, Joy Graves; grandchildren, Camden Bowles, Cayden Bowles and Carson Privett; numerous nieces and nephews as well as other extended family. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 2nd from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Rader Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at Rosewood Park Cemetery, Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 10:00 am. The family will receive friends at the home of Patrick and Crystal Bowles at 1825 Wellington Ln, immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to The Hospice of East Texas at www.hospiceofeasttexas.org or Woodland Hills Church at Mason Creek, Children’s Ministry at www.whbchurch.com. The family would like to thank Dr. Becker and his wonderful team of nurses at The Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, Texas for their care and compassion.

Joe C. Howell

December 17, 1941 - September 29, 2023