John Emmett Howell

John Emmett Howell was born on January 4, 1948, to John William and Mary Dillon Howell, who preceded him in death, along with his stepbrother, J. William Howell.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Linda; his daughters, Carmen Howell Smith (Jason) and Morgan Cate (Jason); his treasured grandsons, Thomas, Camden, and Levi Smith; and his cherished granddaughters, Cameron Cate and Ashley Cate.

A faithful member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, John lived a life devoted to his faith, his family, and serving others.

John graduated from Catholic High School, earned his bachelor's degree from Arkansas State University, obtained his polygraph license through Rice University, and was a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Lieutenant John Howell dedicated 33 years to the Arkansas State Police. During his distinguished career, he served as a driver's license examiner, public information officer, highway patrol trooper, and criminal investigator specializing in polygraphs, statement analysis, and the Reid Method of Interview and Interrogation. He later served as Sergeant over Company G, executive officer to the Colonel, Assistant Director in the Crimes Against Children Division, and concluded his career in Internal Affairs.

Following retirement, John served as Assistant Director of the Criminal Justice Institute at the University of Arkansas and as Chief of the Pine Bluff Police Department from 2006 to 2010. He also taught interview and interrogation at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, instructed court-ordered classes in defensive driving, anger management, anti-theft, and aggression management to the public, and served on the Arkansas Crime Lab Board.

John loved officiating Arkansas high school football and basketball alongside his fellow officials and faithfully spent countless hours working out at the Wellness Center. He was also a proud member of Sigma Pi Fraternity and the Knights of Columbus. A lifelong Chicago White Sox fan from day one, he faithfully cheered for his team through every season.

He had a lifelong love for animals, whether caring for his cattle herd, his 38-year-old African Grey parrot, Elvis, or the many dogs who shared his life: from Pat, his Wire-Haired Terrier, to his beloved Border Collies, T-Bone and Lucky. He was even known to sneak around his fishing buddies and release fish from their stringers. His favorite charities were those dedicated to the care of children and animals.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, John's true lifeline became Rock Steady Boxing at First Baptist Church in Hot Springs, where he was affectionately known as the life of the party.

When John married Linda, he lovingly embraced her large family as his own. Over the years, he treasured countless road trips and family gatherings, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Above all else, his two daughters and his grandchildren were the loves of his life.

John was fiercely devoted to his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and his extended family, including a host of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. To John, friendship was sacred, and once he welcomed someone into his life, that bond became an everlasting pact.

To honor and celebrate John's life, visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., with Rosary beginning at 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 900 W. Cross Street, Benton, Arkansas 72015. Burial will follow at Ten Mile Cemetery.

Pallbearer honors have been entrusted to Charles Beall, Jim Clontz, Chuck Givens, Terry Hopson, Charles McLemore, Roger McLemore, David Rosegrant, Larry Ward, and Ricky Whitmore.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Rock Steady Boxing, 2350 Central Avenue, Hot Springs AR 71901, or a child or animal charity of your choice.