Howard L. Portell's Obituary
Howard L. Portell, age 73, of Pinckneyville, IL, went to his eternal home peacefully during the early morning of Wednesday, July 29, 2015 in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Carbondale, IL. Howard was born on June 17, 1942 in Festus, MO, a son to Howard Leo and Zola Sarah (DeRousse) Portell . On August 10, 1997, he married Mary Lou Tiona in Carterville, IL and she survives. He worked as a quality assurance inspector for the Department of Defense where he was assigned for 17 years at General Dynamics, Marion, IL. He completed 32 years of federal service and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Howard was a member of the First Christian Church, Pinckneyville, IL and of the Christian Motorcycle Association. He enjoyed fishing, archery, woodworking, traveling and has taught archery and line dancing. Howard loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou Portell; four sons, Jordan, Brandon and Matthew Portell of Missouri and Trevis (Sarah) Modlin; two daughters, Amanda (Aaron) Skidmore and Cheryl Smith; a sister, Agnes (Robert) Aubuchon of Festus, MO; two brothers-in-law, Leon (Eileen) Tiona of Pekin, IL and Ray Tiona of Bunker Hill, IL; ten grandchildren, Kara Greer, Adam Greer, Caleb Skidmore, Alyssa Skidmore, Trae, Tatum, Tristen, Trevis and Tegan Modlin, and Jamie Smith; four nephews, great-nephews, and nieces; and young people who referred to him as grandpa (papa). He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held the First Christian Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Jeff Tucker and Frank Caruso officiating. Interment will be in Festus Presbyterian/Methodist Cemetery, Festus, MO with a graveside service being held on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday at First Christian Church, Pinckneyville, IL from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church, Pinckneyville, IL or American Heart Association.
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