FIvins, UT - Francis James Howell passed away February 6, 2010. He was born January 12, 1925 in Santa Barbara, CA to John Benjamin and Gladys Emma Rodman Howell. Fran graduated from Fullerton High School in 1944. He served in the military in the Army Signal Corp in the Philippines and received the Soldiers Medal for Bravery. He graduated Suma Cum Laude UCLA. He graduated in Sub-Tropical Horticulture. He was the President of the Delta Upsulom Fraternity. After graduation, he worked in the citrus and avocado industry of Southern California. He opened the Fran Howell Bookstore in Fullerton, California, which was later managed by his mother Gladys. He joined the Vromans (Pasadena) Wholesale Book Company as a sales representative and book buyer. While with Vromans he drove their traveling book mobile throughout Southern Utah and other Western states. Fran married Margaret Stevens of Pasadena, CA on October 11, 1952 at the Church of the Good Shepherd - Methodist in San Gabriel, CA. Fran also worked for the newly formed Warner Brothers Record Company as their first sales representative. He started the Raymar Wholesale Book Company in 1963 in the Pasadena area. In 1977, Raymar was acquired by the Ingram Book Company of Nashville, Tennessee, at which time Fran and Margaret relocated to Nashville for the next six years. The combining of these two companies began its current rein as a national global leader in the book industry. Upon retirement, they returned to their Pasadena home located on Windover Road. In 1993, they purchased their current home in Kayenta neighborhood of Ivins, Utah. Fran was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions including, Young Mens program, councilor in bishopric, first bishop of Pasadena II Ward, bishop of the Nashville II Ward and councilor in the Nashville Stake Presidency. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Ashley Howell of Kayenta, Utah; daughter Lisa Ashley Irvin (Dave) of Santa Clara, Utah; son, Christopher Justice (Deena) of Orem, Utah; and grandchildren: Benjamin Justice, Matthew Irvin (Kenzi), Stephen Irvin, and Katelyn Ashley Irvin. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gunlock LDS Chapel, 733 N. Main St., Gunlock, Utah. Visitation will be held Thursday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the chapel, prior to services. Interment will be held Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Garden of Remembrance, Glendale, California. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. The family would like to thank Dixie Regional Medical Center and the St. George Rehabilitation and Care Center for their kindness and dignity in the care of Francis. A special thanks for in home care by Jimmy Pierson and Matthew Irvin (grandson).