Samuel E. Howell Sr., 71, of Monument died Thursday, Dec. 28, in Heppner. A celebration of life and potluck will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Old Elkhorn Tavern in Monument.

Howell was born Feb. 23, 1946, in Heppner, the son of Clifford and Charlotte Wilhelm Howell. He was raised and attended school in Monument. He met Joan Miller in high school, and they were married on Dec. 24, 1964, in Canyon City.

He worked as a timber faller for 53 years, then worked at the Cross D Ranch in Monument until his retirement.

Howell loved playing sports in high school. Basketball was his favorite. He was an avid hunter and loved to trap in the winter months, selling enough hides one year to buy a new pickup. He killed 69 bull elk, but never killed a four-point. In his younger days, Howell and his brother Bill enjoyed riding bulls in rodeos. Howell won the Sisters Rodeo in 1963.

Survivors include his wife, Joan, of Monument; brother Paddy Howell of Baker City; daughter Sandy McKinney of Prineville; son Sam Jr. of Monument; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brother Bill Howell and numerous aunts and uncles.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer Memorial Hospice, PO Box 9, Heppner, OR 97836. Sweeney Mortuary of Heppner is in care of arrangements.