Rollin Knight Howell

Former State Representative Rollin Knight Howell passed this life on Jan. 7, 2025, at Mason City, Iowa. His body was cremated and plans for burial are on hold.

Rollin Knight Howell was born March 24, 1929, at Rockford, IA, the son of Floyd Knight Howell and Ella Minnie (Roehr) Howell. He attended the Scott Township country school until his freshman year, then attended Rockford Public High School until his senior year. He then chose to attend Mason City High School and graduated there in 1947.

He married Joyce E. Stiles on July 23, 1950, at the Methodist Episcopal Church, Northwood, IA. Three children were born to this union, Barbara Jeanne, Steven Knight, and David Mark.

Prior to being drafted in July, 1951, Rollin was employed by Richter Hardware, Conger, MN, where he was taught basic plumbing and mechanic work.

Rollin served two years during the Korean conflict, spending 17 months on Okinawa. He was honorably discharged in 1953. Following his return home, he again worked at Richter Hardware, until March of 1954, when he and his family moved to Rockford, IA, to live on the Howell family farm in Scott Township.

In a special election in March, 1973, he was elected to serve as a State Representative from Floyd and Mitchell counties, and served 10 years. In 1988, he began working as a Pesticide Investigator for the Iowa Dept. of Agriculture, retiring in 1999. He and his wife then began three seasons employed as campground attendants for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, at Rathbun Lake, then Rollin served three years as a substitute school bus driver for the Moravia schools, and another six years as an activities school bus driver for Albia schools.

He served on the Board of Directors of several local cooperatives, and was active in the National Farmer’s Organization. He was a 4-H leader for ten years.

He was a member of the American Legion, Walker-Graper Post #338, for over 70 years, and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He belonged to the Edward Howell Family Association, and was a former member of the Iowa Pioneer Lawmakers.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Rockford, IA, and in the past was active in the Methodist Men’s Group, and for eight years served as a church school teacher and a counselor for the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Rollin was very interested in politics and environmental issues, and was well read and enjoyed being active in organizations that supported his interests. He liked country western music, playing cards with family and friends, and was interested in following his favorite football and basketball teams.

Rollin is survived by his wife of 74 years, and children, Barbara J. Newell, Austin, TX, Steven K. (Alvetta Tanner) Howell, Mason City, IA, and David M. (Maritza Franco) Howell, Elkton, FL; a sister, Beverly J. Williams, Portola Valley, CA; six grandchildren, Rachael J. Roman, St. Augustine, FL, Ryan K. (Karla Krones) Howell, Coralville, IA, Anne K. (Nicholas) Riek, Ballwin, MO, Anthony C. Newell, Austin, TX, Andrew J. (Michelle Gillespie) Howell, Palatka, FL, William M. Newell, Japan, one adopted grandchild, Jamie Rosonke, Northwood, IA; and eight great grandchildren, Dylan M. Warner, Kadence D. Howell, Aiden N. Riek, James H. Riek, Amelia J. Howell, Maximilian K. Howell, Alexander D. Howell and Adaline J. Howell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and son-in-law, Major William C. Newell.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City, IA, 50401; 641-423-2372; ColonialChapels.com.