John Howell – Dead at 44. St. Mary’s lost a great supporter today and Natchitoches lost a wonderful person.

11218091_762171570568743_526344166658342195_oJohn Howell, SM alum and parent to current students Thomas and Aaron, passed away very suddenly this afternoon. He was 44 years of age.

John was a basketball player while in high school at St. Mary’s and generously donated his time to help coach the varsity boys’ team in the recent past. His lively spirit and towering presence will be sorely missed.

Please pray for this family – wife Amy and boys, and John’s dad Donald Howell.

Out of respect for this family, and for Coach John, the girls’ basketball Team Camp that was scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled, as has the boy’s basketball participation in the NSU Camp this weekend.

St. Mary’s continues to be a community that rallies support, especially for one of its own. Again, please ask God’s Peace and understanding for his family, and for all those friends and family that will miss John.