Lawrence Craig Howell, 70, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2021.

On December 21, 1950, Craig was born in Hoisington, Kansas, to George Millward Howell, III and Thelma (Bales) Howell.

He would spend much of his time at the family market in Hoisington, sharing many stories and memories from his childhood. Craig graduated as a Hoisington Cardinal in 1969 and became a master meat cutter along with learning carpentry. He was also a student at the University of Kansas and would later own Jayhawk Wood Products in Lawrence, Kansas. 

Through a successful career in law enforcement serving communities in central Kansas, Craig settled in Kansas City, where he worked for the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office. Following his tenure there, he went on to run Metro Bail Bonds, a successful bail bond company in the county, for nearly 30 years, up until his passing. 

He married his wife of 39 years, Nancy Rae Haller, on June 26, 1981, and built a loving family in the Piper area. Along with bail bonding, they together ran multiple businesses, including Piper Art and Sign, Piper Arms, First Appearance Sportswear and Howell’s Catering.

A people person, Craig loved spending time with his family and friends. He could always find the best in people. He enjoyed fishing and watching KU basketball and KC Chiefs games, holding season tickets to Arrowhead Stadium for more than 20 years. 

No one could hold a candle to Craig and Nancy’s barbeque. Together, they would compete in local competitions and took home numerous awards for their delicious creations. They graciously gave their time and efforts over the years by cooking and providing food for many events and organizations.

Craig was a steadfast supporter of others and served his community in many ways over the years, including as a member of the Piper USD 203 school board, Kansas State High Schools Activities Association and the Wyandotte County Parks and Recreation board. 

His wife Nancy, mother, father, and brothers-in-law, Donald Pickert and Stanley Cygan, preceded him in death.

Craig's family will forever miss him. He is survived by his sister Patricia Pickert, sisters-in-law Cindy Stanley and Barbara Cygan, children Christopher, Gita, Paul, Brian, Brooke, Courtney and Candice and their families. He was the best grandpa in the history of grandpas to his 12 grandchildren, with another one on the way.

Because of his love for others and serving the community, the family would be honored to have donations made in Craig’s memory to Basehor United Methodist Church, 18660 158th St, Basehor, KS 66012.