Lionel G. Howe was born February 14, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family December 3, 2023.  He was the youngest of 6 children to the late Lawrence Paul Howe and late Agnes Monroe Lawson. He moved out to California when he was 13 years old and attended various schools in the Oakland area before settling down in Gilroy where he met his wife Irene when he was 18 years old.  Lionel and Irene married May 8, 1965, and had 5 children (Lionel James, Robert, Richard, Michael, and Rachel).

Lionel worked at Gentry/Gilroy Foods for 45 years where he was the Maintenance Superintendent for the last 25 years of his career before retiring.  He enjoyed his work as he was able to utilize his leadership and creative mind for problem solving and planning to maximize the plant's production.  Lionel also met many of his friends at work that became lifelong friendships, with whom he enjoyed golfing with on the Twilight League, fishing, camping, and hunting.

Lionel was the patriarch of our family as he was very strong in his dedication to work and providing for his family.  He was known for his amazing BBQ for our family gatherings and smoked turkey for the holidays. He planned camping and fishing trips and participated in family functions, poker games and winter trips to Lake Tahoe which created lifelong memories.  Watching football was a favorite pastime of his and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.  He enjoyed nature and animals and would enjoy relaxing drives around Coyote Lake and Uvas Reservoir to appreciate their beauty.  Lionel had a sense of humor to the very end and an unforgettable laugh that was contagious to all those around him.

Lionel is survived by his wife, Irene, sons, Lionel James and Richard, and daughter, Rachel.  He was preceded in death by his sons Robert and Michael.  He was the very proud grandpa to Garrett, Sarah, Monique, Ricky, Aubrey, Jenna, and Frankie.  He leaves behind one brother, Lanny, in Utah as he was preceded in death by his brother and sisters Connie, Lawrence Jr., Marlene, and Sally.  He leaves behind his nephews and one niece in Utah.

Lionel will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and a loyal friend to everyone.  He leaves a legacy of love, adventure, generosity, and grace. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  His last words are that wanted all his beautiful family and friends to know that he loved them very much.  May He Rest In Peace.

The viewing will be at Habing Family Funeral Home from 9am-11, followed by services in his honor at 11am with burial to follow at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park.

Reception to follow from 1pm-4pm at Old City Hall Restaurant in the upstairs room.