Garwood Linden Howell - "Gig" Obituary (1932 - 2025)

Harmony — Garwood Linden Howell "Gig", 93, passed away peacefully at home on November 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 22, 1932, he was the son of Manville R. Howell and Alice M. (House) Howell. Garwood graduated from Harmony High School in 1950. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On April 16, 1964, he married the love of his life, Irma L. (Lockard) Howell, in Skowhegan. For nearly 50 years, Garwood worked as the top Little Way Stitcher in many central Maine shoe factories, including SAS, Norwock, and Dexter. His skill and craftsmanship were widely recognized and highly sought after. He later retired, continuing part-time at McDonald Shoe. In all those years, Garwood never missed a single day of work. While maintaining his factory career, he and Irma operated H&H Ceramics in Harmony for almost 40 years. After his retirement, he continued to serve his community for 11 years as cemetery sexton for the Town of Harmony. A dedicated member of American Legion Post 192 in Athens for 71 years, Garwood earned the rank of Commander and proudly held that position for 22 years, as well as serving 28 years as adjutant. He and Irma were familiar faces at the Harmony Free Fair, coordinating and working the Beano Tent and Frog Jumping Contest for more than two decades. His dry wit and infectious giggle endeared him to all who knew him. Garwood cherished life in the outdoors, spending time with his girls—hunting, fishing, smelting, fiddleheading, and berry picking. Gardening was especially important to him as a way of providing food for the winter months. He and Irma created countless memories with family and friends during the summer months at the family camp on Great Moose Pond in Hartland, where cookouts and green beer were staples. A devoted father to six daughters, he involved his girls in nearly every project, teaching them patience, compassion, and humor. Garwood was predeceased by his beloved wife Irma; his parents; grandson Bronson Caldwell; son-in-law Tom Dellarma; sister Jackie Chadbourne; and brothers Russell and Delmont. He is survived by his daughters: Kimberly Dellarma; Sonya Howell and her partner Sheldon Pullen; Renea Qua and her husband Douglas; Paula MacMillan and her husband Doug; Diane Paradis and her husband Michael; and Jill Cookson and her husband Stacy. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Nicole Quigley (Mike), Bridget Dellarma, Briley Belanger (Natalie), Brandon Belanger (Heather), Paige Howell (Caleb), Rocky Leavitt (Andrea), Ryan, Donavan, Desaray, Eric Paradis, Tyler (Christine), and Garrett Cookson; eleven great-grandchildren; sister Donna Larson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would also like to recognize special friends: Jerome, Ronald, Cindy, and Markie. Burial will take place in the spring at MainStream Cemetery in Harmony, with a gathering for family and friends to follow at the American Legion Hall in Athens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: American Legion Post 192, PO Box 134, Athens, ME 04912. The family extends heartfelt thanks to his health care providers Helene and Christine, the VA, and Beacon Hospice for their care and support.