HOWELL, Ralph Lynn

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Monday, July 5, 2010 Ralph Lynn Howell, born Dec. 1, 1932, in Baca County, Colo., passed away May 20, 2010. Ralph's parents, Zola "Jim" and Mettie, homesteaded in south eastern Colorado living in a dug-out house before moving into town and opening the only blacksmith shop in Springfield. Ralph was the youngest of five children. His parents divorced when he was quite young and he and his mother moved to Glendale, Ariz., where he grew up and went to school. Ralph joined the Navy where he learned to operate radar equipment, a skill he used for the rest of his working life. He had a career with the U.S. Geological Service, where he used his radar skills to locate underground water sources by plotting the location using aircraft infrared technology to find underground fresh water. He also learned to fly several types of fixed wing aircraft. When the U.S. Geological Service moved its offices to Prescott, Ariz., he bought a small cabin outside of town, where he lived for over 35 years, until his death. He was a very private man who had no children and is survived by three nephews and two nieces. A gathering of family and friends will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 9, 2010, followed by a celebration of Ralph's life at Heritage memory Mortuary, 131 Grove Ave., Prescott, Ariz. Inurnment will take place at 1 p.m. at the Prescott National Cemetery with military honors. Heritage Memory Mortuary is caring for the family. Information provided by survivors.