Larry Caldwell Howlett of Bowling Green, KY died at his home on August 31, 2024. Larry was born on November 19, 1942 in Auburn, KY, to William Caldwell and Nellie Rufine (McLellan) Howlett. He attended Auburn public schools until transferring to Columbia Military Academy in Columbia, TN, where he graduated high school. After a year at the University of Kentucky, Larry transferred to Western Kentucky State College for the remainder of his college career. He was a part of the inaugural class of the college’s accounting program and graduated in 1964. After a few years of working in his family’s leather tanning business, Larry began work for the IRS, focusing on tax-exempt organizations. He retired after a thirty-year career with the IRS and founded Larry C. Howlett CPA, a firm dedicated to helping exempt organizations. He was involved in many local and national organizations because of this ministry.
Larry’s love for the Lord was exemplified in everything he did. He may not have been large in stature, but he was definitely a giant in the faith. He offered “Greetings” to all he met and was kind to all. He served in several churches as an elder or deacon, taught Sunday school, volunteered in many ministries, and was generous with his resources. His final church membership was at Eastwood Baptist Church.
Together with his bride of nearly 59 years, Larry raised two daughters. He was Papa to five grandchildren and two great-grandsons. He loved his family well and will be greatly missed by them and by so many friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Bill and Joe Howlett, and one precious grandson, Robert Coughlin. He is survived by his wife, Edessa Howlett, daughters Tina (Jeff) Carter and Laura (Kent) Coughlin; grandchildren Will Parker (Megan) Carter, John Carter, Addison (Jake) Cooley, and Cooper Coughlin; and great-grandsons, Lincoln and Roman Carter.
Visitation with the family will be held Friday, September 6, from 5-7 p.m. and again at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 7, at Eastwood Baptist Church. A service will begin at 11:00, followed by burial in Auburn, KY. Anyone associated with a ministry or not-for-profit that Larry helped to organize is encouraged to wear a T-shirt, button, or anything to associate themselves with that organization.
In lieu of flowers, Larry requested that donations be made to Hope House, HOTEL Inc., Curbside, and Hospice of Southern Kentucky.
