William Carl Howell, Sykesville Resident, Dies at 60

William Carl Howell of Sykesville died May 9 at his home, surrounded by family. He was 60.

Born July 21, 1965, in Washington, D.C., Howell spent his early years on Andrews Air Force Base before moving to Waldorf, Maryland. When his father died in 1997, he became a steady presence for his siblings. He is survived by his mother Barbara Howell, sister Virginia, and brothers David and Dennis.

At 28, Howell married Maria, a single mother of two, and raised Laura and David as his own. The couple later had two grandsons, Marshall Harbin and William Thornton.

Howell played basketball in his youth and followed the Washington Redskins, Nationals, and Maryland basketball. He cooked large meals for family gatherings and walked beaches in the morning with his wife, searching for shells. In his final years, he spent hours with his grandsons building marble tracks, conducting science experiments, and discussing space. His family said nothing brightened his face faster than mention of his grandchildren.

Visitation is Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Haight Funeral Home, 6416 Sykesville Road in Eldersburg. A service follows from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. A luncheon will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Oscar's Ale House, 1438 Liberty Road in Eldersburg.