Howell Estes Obituary

I had the privilege of working with General Estes when he was a Major General in the Pentagon in 1991. He was a wonderful boss and quite the gentleman. When he made his third star he tracked me down in the pentagon and sent me a beautiful arrangement of flowers with a note. Thanking me for helping him make a promotion. Then when he made his fourth star, he tracked me down again in the pentagon and sent me another beautiful arrangement of flowers with the same note thanking me for helping him make his promotion. I would´ve never thought being his secretary I would have anything to do with him getting a future promotion! But like I said, he was quite the gentleman. I worked for many generals while I was having my career at the Pentagon. He was one of the best! My sincere condolences to his current wife and his family members. I know you must be missing him. May he rest in peace.

General Estes was instrumental in getting me an assignment change when I discovered my dad was dying. I had met with him about another matter and I brought up to him that I would be seeking a humanitarian assignment. He told me to give my information
to his assistant and the next day I had orders. Amazing. He was such a kind and humble man. My condolences to the family but I hope you will find great comfort in knowing that he made a difference in the world.

It's been almost a year. Not too many days go by that I do not think of Howell and my dad. My dad has passed on as well. I know he and Howell are at peace. I'll always remember the friendship they shared. Sending prayers and hugs to Howell's friends and family. To God be the glory!

General Estes was my DCM at George
AFB in California. I was a young airman but I admired him for his leadership and demeanor. My condolences to the family.
A job well done by a good and faithful servant

I served with General Estes at George AFB as his squadron legal person in the 35th EMS until 1981. Sorry for the family loss. He was a great Commander.

To The General's Family and Friends: It was my great honor and professional enjoyment and fulfillment to have served as the J-2 (Intelligence), Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a counterpart to General Estes, during his service there as the J-3 (operations). For those who know of the dynamic between the ops officer and the intel officer, this could have gone south at any time -- but it did not. I will always look back on this period of our shared service as one of the most intense and demanding positions outside of direct combat. Our relationship was exceptional. We both listened and we both had our say on the complex issues of the time, we worked for some of the most demanding luminaries of the Pentagon back then, and we were a team on nearly every occasion. I attribute any success we had -- in large measure -- to his patience and his gentlemanly approach. He was a fine man and the best partner a lowly old soldier could ever ask for. General, we'll see each other again at the next rally point. I know you'll be flying cover for me whenever we meet. Montana 6 out!

My condolences to all Howel's family and friends. I was a cadet at Manlius while Howel was there, and I certainly remember him as an impressive person and a remarkable cadet leader.

In 1971-72 my dad, Lt. Col Marlin Richardson (in the picture at CNA), was Deputy Commander at Soesterberg/CNA. Capt. Estes (at the time) and his family had just moved there from their last assignment. As a nerdy 15 year old, all of the younger pilots were like larger than life to me , especially Capt. Estes, he towered over all of them. My Dad used to say when "Howell" would come into his office he would tell him to have a seat and then he would stand up so they would be eye to eye! lol At some point I was asked to babysit his kids and my dad told me - "His Dad is a 4 Star General, don't screw this up!" Apparently I did ok, because sometime later, being an avid photographer, I was asked to photograph his kids. Somewhere buried in my 1000s of pictures since then, those negatives still exist! Over the years I would occasionally see him on TV after some high profile mission the USAF had conducted and I would always remember I used to babysit his kids. What a remarkable career and person. And I loved the obit.

We too just learned Howell passed away. We both just loved Howell. What a great privilege to have him live across from us in Saddle Brooke, AZ. He was so interesting to listen to. We also got to meet Karen and you could see it was meant to be. Our deepest sympathy to Karen and the Estes family.

We just found out that Howell passed away. He lived across the street from us in Tucson AZ for a short time. He was a kind and fascinating man. We also had the privilege of meeting Karen before they moved to California. Our deepest sympathies to Karen and the entire Estes family.

Best memory is the 1st time we met... I was 3 1/2 and Howell was 1 1/2... I was so thrilled to have a cousin! And he was so cute ...We tore around all day and a lot of the night and didn't go to sleep well... Howell Sr was not pleased !! He suggested to my Father I needed to be reined in... not going to happen said my Father..and it never did!! X's to you all Mary Jordan Verbeck Pomeroy

A superb leader and outstanding fellow office.
My heartfelt sympathy to the family.
Dick Vogel, class mate, NWC, 1983

I met Gen. Estes at a high school reunion, on the way out to Nellis AFB for a tour. We happened to sit next to each other on the bus going to the base, and spent the time amiably talking about what we each flew and had flown. Only afterward did I realize the extent of his career and accomplishments.

May his memory be for a blessing.

I was privileged to know General Estes when I was Head of Manlius Pebble Hill School, his Alma Mater. On a number of occasions we exchanged views, in person and via email, about the School as well as other topics of interest to us. He was always gracious, warm, thoughtful, and down to earth, and he cared deeply about the School and his family´s deep roots there. I send my condolences to his family.

Howie and I were on the Basketball team during our years at USAFA. First Class year he was Team Captain and led us well during the dark days of the cheating scandal, measurably improving my life as Manager and Bob Spear's life as Coach . Third Class year he rode along with me to Missouri where we each visited beautiful ladies. I think he was in pain most of the way as I had the seat forward so I could reach the pedals and that left little room for his long legs. He was a good man and a good officer. My condolences to the family.

I knew Howell briefly, as his interviewer for the Library of Congress Veteran's History project. Howell displayed great recall, patience, and intelligence during the process of preparing for and doing the interview. He had a way of providing information that was clear, brief, yet non-condescending. Rest in peace, sir.

My wife Kay and I send our deepest condolences to General Estes family. I first came to learn of his leadership and mentorship qualities when I was fortunate enough to serve under his Command when he took command of the 4450th Tac Group, the then highly secret F-117 Stealth Fighter Program based out of Tonopah Test Airfield in Nevada. He led the program at a very critical time in achieving Operational Capabilities for the unit. I was lucky enough to once again serve under General Estes when he was the Commander of 7th Air Forces, Korea while I was a Squadron Commander of the 35th Fighter Squadron at Kunsan AB, Korea. I can honestly say that I have not met a finer Commander than General Estes. His calm demeanor, his smile and his Command presence was a natural trait he always exhibited. I will always be thankful that I was able to have him as a Commander twice. A true Gentleman, Leader, Fighter Pilot and Warrior. Sir, you will be missed but your legacy will continue with those who had the privilege of serving under your guidance. Your job on this earth is now complete but you can rest easy knowing your endeavors here will always be remembered as JOB WELL DONE!!
Col. Jett Crouch, USAF (Ret)
Gulf Breeze, Fl

If my memory is correct, General Estes joined the board in 1998; the same year as Dr. Richard Balzhiser and General Tom Moorman. General Estes was an incredible add to our board. I will always remember him with great admiration and fond memories.

My sincere condolences to his family. I'm eternally grateful for his wise counsel when he presented my USAFA appointment at MPH commencement and then commissioned me 4 years later into the AF. He was a great man and great leader. His influence in service to our nation cannot be overstated.

I flew several combat missions with Howell out of Korat Royal Thai Airbase, Thailand. He was an outstanding fighter pilot and a good friend. It was an honor to have served with him. Wendell Ward, Colonel USAF (Retired).

I was very sorry to learn of Howell's passing. I got to know General Estes when I worked for the alumni office of his high school. Howell personified the school motto, Manners Makyth Man." Howell cared deeply for his family, friends and the legacy school of his great-grandfather General William Verbeck. He spent years serving our nation and we owe him a debt of gratitude. I recall when he was the school's 2012 commencement speaker and sent the school his resume for the press release. One of his job attributes was "Responsible for the air sovereignty of the US and Canada." I recall joking with him about it, saying "seems you haven't really done anything important with your life?" He broke into a slow smile and said not as much as others. He was a humble leader of the utmost integrity. I now work for West Point and on a recent trip out to the Air Force Academy, we were texting back and forth. He told me to look closely at the Lance Sijan Glass Wall. He told me it was a major project of his and he "was fortunate to lead the construction of the Class of 1965's gift to AFA." Throughout his life he continue to give back and has left a lasting legacy. My sincere condolences go out to the Estes and Verbeck families. Be thou at Peace.

My condolences to the family. I worked for General Estes in his Commanders action group and briefly as his aid de camp before he retired from active duty. I credit him greatly in opening the doors for me to work in the space domain. Rest in peace.

I´m glad this past year was filled with love and happiness for you. I will miss you and will cherish the memories we have together. Love you Grandad.

Mr.Estes was a wonderful person to work with out at PAFB. May you rest in peace. God Bless your family.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

My name is Phyllis Bellamy and I´m the daughter of Mr. Earnest Green, retired M/Sgt. of the Air Force. My dad passed in February 2023 but he always considered Howell Estes on of his dearest friends. As far back as I can remember, he always pulled out pictures to show of Howell and of the Sr. Howell Estes to company. He was so proud to have worked for him. Howell Estes came to Chesapeake Virginia and picked up members of my family and took us to lunch. After that, he drove us to Albert Horton Veterans Cemetery to visit my mom. I will never forget that day. I´m happy to have witnessed and been a part of the friendship he and my dad shared. Sending prayers and love to his family. God bless and give you peace.

Your obituary was so well written and Howell's photo looking directly into your eyes brings back so many fond memories of my monthly meetings with him and LtGen Caruana at Northrop Grumman. He always asked me how he and Pat could help and would listen intensely and then share words of encouragement, recommendations, and background information that were priceless. He made me and everyone he met comfortable with his friendly personally and warm smile. I will always remember his sense of humor like his recounting his dreaded assignment to judge a kim chee contest in Korea and story telling about trying to look smaller so he would be allowed to fly an Air Force fighter jet. My sincerest condolences to his family. It was an absolute privilege to know and work with such a unique person and true patriot who spent his life making this country safe.

To a mentor and great leader.
Will never forget the guidance and leadership.
Rest in piece my friend
Nick

I am so proud to call you my father. I love you and miss you so much.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this time.