Ponce DeLeon Howell was born November 21, 1947, to the late Jacob and Elworth Howell in Palatka, Florida the eighth of ten children. A graduate of Central Academy High School in 1966, Mr. Howell mastered and practiced the trade of masonry. In 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he was stationed at Fort Benning and Fort Gordon in Georgia. Soon after, he was transferred to Thailand and ultimately to Vietnam as part of the 513th Military Police Detachment. After serving in the Vietnam War, he was honorably discharged in 1970. He served his country faithfully and received the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, along with other letters of commendation.
Upon returning home, Mr. Howell resumed his work as a bricklayer, helping build residential and commercial properties throughout northeastern Florida. In 1984, following in his older brother’s footsteps, he moved to New Jersey to join Warren’s Masonry of Red Bank. Alongside his brothers, Warren, Jack, Luther, and Lawrence he contributed to the construction of various residential and commercial buildings across the tri-state area.
In 2009, Mr. Howell was forced to retire due to health issues. But leaving the workforce didn’t slow him down, instead, he embraced into a new calling: Grandpa. He put down his trowel and picked up a diaper. Instead of pouring cement and finishing floors, now he’s creating moments with laughter and giving kids rides on his famous arm swing. Countless trips to Disney World with his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren left lasting impressions on them all. In this new chapter, he made time for everyone, whether sharing stories with his grandkids, cracking jokes with his children, or reminiscing with siblings and friends. He became the go-to person for warmth, wisdom, and joy.
On March 29, 2025 Ponce departed his earthly life to begin his eternal life with the Lord. Ponce was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Elworth Howell, his brothers Luther, Jack, Warren, Edward, and James Howell. His sisters Elworth Kearney and Goldia Murray.
He leaves to cherish his brother Lawrence Howell and his sister Helen Johns, sister in law Pauline Howell, his 3 sons Ponce Howell Jr (Jessielou), Clarence Howell (Brittany) and James Leon Reevey (Kay); 2 daughters Kandi and Dikiviya (Toni) Howell; 3 Bonus daughters Kimper Dasher, Sherriese Ronnette Artis, and Maggie Regaspi; 15 Grandchildren Luz Olivares (Justin), Amina Flores, Yasir Howell, JJ Regaspi, Aiden Regaspi, Jaylen Howell, Gary Griggs, Dehemiah Harris, Denina Green, Dondra Green, Bernard Lemar Dasher Jr, Zorah Artis, Zaire Artis, Jaylen Reevey and Kanye Reevey; 8 Great Grandchildren Derreck Braun, Kha’Miah Harris, Kyngsten Harris, Kamari Dasher, Kaiden Walker-Dasher, Kyleal Dasher, Olly Reevey, Oz Reevey and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
