Funeral Service - Wayne D. Howell

Aug 24, 2024    Reverend David L. Ledford, III

A service of remembrance, celebrating the life of Wayne D. Howell.


Wayne passed away on August 16, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was the son of Arthur and Nettie Howell of Lafayette, Indiana, who preceded him in death as well as one brother, Richard. He is survived by his daughter, Anne Johnson (Ron) of Collings Lakes, NJ and son Wayne D. Howell, Jr. of Fishers, Indiana. Other relatives include grandchildren; Anthony Cassetta (Maria) of Hammonton, Michael Cassetta (Joanne) of Collings Lakes and Ashley Howell of Fishers, Indiana. Also, four great-grandchildren; Kaitlyn, Elizabeth, Matthew and Isabella Cassetta; sister-in-law Barbara Howell; and cousins, nieces and nephews in Indiana, Michigan and North Carolina.


Wayne was born in Lafayette, Indiana and graduated from Purdue University as an aeronautical engineer. He joined the FAA Technical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1951. The family moved to Absecon, NJ when the FAA Technical Center (NAFEC) was transferred in 1959 to Atlantic City Airport. As a branch chief in aircraft safety, he was involved in many research, tests and evaluations of various safety problems of aircraft crashes, fires, flight and environmental effects. These projects resulted in new and improved FAA safety regulations. Wayne was nominated for the Arthur S. Fleming Award for outstanding young men in federal government at the age of 29. Also, he was nominated for the Fourteenth Annual William A. Jump Award for outstanding contribution in government service.


Wayne was an active member of the Absecon United Methodist Church for over 64 years. He sang in the choir many years, was past president of the United Methodist Men, past chair of the Staff/Parish Relations Committee, and a member of the Board of Trustees. Wayne volunteered for many local civic groups and was appointed to the Absecon Juvenile Conference Committee, volunteered on the security committee of the Miss America Pageant for 28 years, and was given the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor membership in recognition of service to all people regardless of race or faith.


He was an Eagle Scout and held a private pilot’s license. Wayne had an avid passion for playing golf and enjoyed playing on the FAA Tech Center golf league for over 55 years. He and his wife (Margie) of 64 years enjoyed playing golf together and traveling the USA and abroad, and wintering in Florida. Enjoying his beautiful wife and family was the highlight of his life.


Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from One License with license A-731620.

CCLI: CSPL099122