Smiles we remember: Kenneth Howell
It is with great sadness that Texas A&M College of Dentistry announces the passing of former staff member, Kenneth Howell, who died Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Howell joined the college in 2006 as a part-time security officer. In 2012, he moved to the Department of Public Health Sciences, where he served as an outreach worker and drove the mobile dental clinic and Seal Mobile to schools and communities throughout the region. He retired from the college in June 2020.
In a 2018 profile, Howell shared that his favorite part of the job was seeing children receive dental care.
“Watching the kids get the dental services we provide,” he said. “Some of them are scared when they arrive, and the dental students and staff members are able to calm them down so they can get the care they need.”
He added that seeing children smile after completing treatment was “one of the best feelings.”
Before joining the college, Howell worked as a corrections officer and retired after 20 years of service. Prior to that, he served 13 years in the U.S. Army.
Colleagues remember Howell for his professionalism, kindness and willingness to help others.
“Ken was one of those rare individuals you wish you could clone,” said Sidney Whitley, security sergeant. “He brought energy and positivity wherever he went, and there was never a dull moment when he was around. He had a servant’s heart and would help anyone in need, often giving his last to support others. Ken and I met at TDCJ, and I am grateful for the friendship and memories we shared. He will be deeply missed.”
“Ken was one of the most professional people I have ever worked with,” said Dr. Simmi Patel, clinical associate professor in public health sciences. “He was the best listener and would follow up with you to see how you were doing when you presented a problem to him. I miss riding with him on the Seal Mobile to the elementary schools because I used to talk so much, and he would just listen.”
Patel said she remained in touch with Howell after his retirement and visited him in Savannah, Georgia, in 2024.
“I visited Ken where he retired in Savannah, Georgia, in 2024. He loved fruitcakes, and my husband drove to Tyler to Collin Street Bakery so that we could give him a fruitcake in Savannah. My heart is hurting.”
Rita Rorie, project manager II in the Office of the Dean, also remembered Howell as a caring colleague and friend.
“Ken was a wonderful co-worker, and a caring friend, always willing to help,” Rorie said. “After he retired, he still called his former colleagues — the people he truly considered friends — just to check in and catch up. He showed that true friendship does not retire when a career does; making those calls was a testament to his character and warmth. Ken’s passing has left a hole in my heart.”
Howell is survived by his wife, Annette; his daughter; his son-in-law; and his grandson.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
On behalf of Texas A&M College of Dentistry, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Howell family, as well as to all who knew and loved Kenneth Howell.