Gordon Lewis Howell

Gordon Lewis Howell (Gordy), passed away peacefully on the morning of October 22, 2024, at Copper Summit Assisted Living in Pocatello, Idaho. Gordy was born on July 7, 1946, in Pocatello, Idaho to his proud parents, Lewis and Lyle Howell. 

Gordy grew up in Pocatello and at a young age, he knew what he wanted to do in life. KWIK radio station was near his house, so he was able to spend many hours watching and learning about broadcasting. He was able to go to Los Angeles when he was 15 and received his 1st class radio license. 

He attended Poky High for 3 years and was a member of the 1st graduating class of Highland High School in 1964. 

He worked as an announcer for KSSN radio before deciding to enlist in the US Air Force when he was 18. He was in the service for 4 years. The last 2 years, he was the Armed Forces Radio Program Director in Madrid Spain. He was honorably discharged from the US Air Force in 1969.

He returned to Pocatello and attended ISU. Where he studied business and marketing. He also returned to radio and was an announcer and program director at KSSN. He made the choice to leave radio and go back to ISU where he got a degree in Computer Science. After graduating from ISU, he was hired by Bannock County to head Computer Services. He worked for the county for 35 years until his retirement in 2021. 

Gordy loved all kinds of popular music, especially from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, and he even built a recording studio in his basement. He and his friend, Cory, spent many hours putting together an amazing home sound system. 

After Gordy retired from the county. He lost a lot of interest in life. He suffered a stroke in November 2022, which he never fully recovered from. He spent the last year and 10 months at Copper Summit Assisted Living in Pocatello. He enjoyed the wonderful staff there. 

Gordy is survived by his sister, Cara of Pocatello, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

A heartfelt thanks to Candace and the staff at Copper Summit, and to Evelyn, Renee, and the staff of Heritage Hospice. Your caring and love for Gordy was amazing and so kind. Also, to his dear friend, Lorin Nielsen, who brought him so many lunches, and Cory who visited many hours with him, and to the many friends who visited him. It meant so much to him. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Aid for Friends or the Idaho Food Bank would be greatly appreciated.