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Obituary for Buz Howell



Dillard W. "Buz" Howell II, 64, died Saturday, May 28, of a massive stroke he suffered the day before at his home in Greenfield, Indiana. Buz was the husband of prominent Saddlebred exhibitor Joan Todd, known for her champions Emily Grey and Highly Charmed. He was very proud of Joan’s accomplishments in the show ring and supported their farm and breeding operation in Greenfield.

Buz was retired from Eli Lilly and Company after serving more than 20 years there as chief of global security. Mr. Howell created the pharmaceutical giant’s anti-counterfeiting division and remained a sought-after security consultant after retirement. Before his tenure at Lilly, Mr. Howell served in the FBI for more than a decade as an expert hostage negotiator, investigator, and trainer at Quantico, the FBI’s headquarters outside Washington, D.C. He was a graduate of University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and earned his Master’s degree in journalism there. An avid and accomplished golfer, Mr. Howell competed in the PGA for years and retained many friendships among professional golfers on the senior tour.

He is survived by Joan (Schwartz); daughters Julie Taylor, Brooke (Ricky) Martin, and Abbey Howell, all of Fla.; and Lauren Todd, Chicago; and son, Daniel Todd, Greenfield; his sister, Nancy (Frank) Kallinger, Indianapolis; his mother, Dorothy (Mathis) Howell, Indianapolis; and many beloved pets, including dogs, cats and horses, among which is his personal mount, "Dixie."

A memorial gathering will begin at 2 p.m., with services at 3 p.m., Thursday, June 2, at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, 11411 N. Michigan Road, Zionsville. Private interment will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Mr. Howell will be remembered most for his generous spirit, grace under fire, and genuine care for others, as well as his great love for his family.

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