Roger William “Bill” Howell was born in Harvey, Illinois on November 29, 1942 to the late Roger and Rose Howell. He was also preceded in death by his brother Joseph Howell, as well as his wife, Terry Howell. He passed away on July 31, 2026, at the age of 83, shortly after moving into a residential hospice facility in the San Fernando Valley.

Bill’s family moved to southern California in 1951 and after graduating from Burroughs High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1961 where he worked as a jet aircraft hydraulics mechanic. After an honorable discharge, he attended Glendale Community College for a short time before working at Walt Disney and Lockheed Martin Aircraft. He then worked at the Southern Pacific Railroad, where he was employed as a freight claims inspector for a number of years. It was during this time that he developed a deep interest in trains, which continued into a lifelong hobby.

In the 1970’s, Bill was encouraged to take over the family business, Howell Company, Inc., a Burbank based distributorship of pneumatic and hydraulic components. During this time, Bill continued to grow the business, as did his interest in various hobbies including billiards, bowling, golf, chess and motorcycles. In 1976, Bill met his wife of 40yrs+, Terry, and between them, they had four daughters: Rose, Leslie, Patricia and Stephanie.

It was also during this time that Bill’s reputation grew within the Burbank community. After being initiated into the Burbank Elks in 1980, he quickly rose through the ranks and was elected as Exalted Ruler in 1985, a position that he held twice more over his career. He also had the distinction of being elected to other positions, including Honorary Life Member of his lodge, seven-time Head Coach of the Burbank Elks ritual team, District Chairman of various committees, and in 2001, his tenure was further highlighted by becoming the Metropolitan District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler.

If he wasn’t busy enough, his family grew as he and Terry became grandparents to ten grandchildren: Dylan, Gage, Mikey, Deegan, Megan, Ryan, Ashley, Allison, Lily and Promise. During this time, he and Terry also extended their vacations throughout California and Hawaii, living and enjoying life to the fullest.

After retiring as an officer in the Elks Lodge and closing his business, Bill joined the Boozefighters MC Chapter101, a motorcycle club famously known as the original “Wild Ones.” Bill quickly became a club favorite, given the nickname “Burbank Bill” and once again found a brotherhood that filled his need for comradery and community. As he did with the Elks, Bill took great pride in the club’s charitable events, most notably their annual Toy Run which he looked forward to every year.

After the passing of his amazing wife Terry in 2019, which was exactly 7yrs to the day of his own passing, Bill did his best to adjust, but he missed her terribly. Not to mention her fabulous cooking and vivacious personality…as Terry always lit up whatever room she entered. He was always reminiscing about their time together and the memories they shared, as she was never far from his thoughts.

After retiring from the Boozefighters a few years ago, he continued to visit the Elks Lodge and stay in touch with his many friends of both the Elks and Boozefighters. He was also a regular patron at Tallyrand, and of course the Smokehouse, for his favorite garlic bread. Needless to say, retirement didn’t come easy, but he filled the vacancy by taking care of his many cats, feeding his squirrels and rooting for his beloved Dodgers, Lakers and Rams. Bill also enjoyed frequent visits from his family and neighbors and even went to see his favorite bands, the Rolling Stones and the Eagles.

Son. Father. Brother. Uncle. Grandfather. Friend. Businessman. Neighbor. Maverick. One-of-a-Kind. Independent. Renegade. Badass.

Bill will be sorely missed, but we take comfort that he’s now resting peacefully, reuniting with Terry and showing everyone how to hit the perfect golf shot.

Rest in Peace Bill.

Enjoy unlimited rounds of golf and make some extra birdies in Heaven!