MIDDLETON - Thomas A. Howells, age 79, of Middleton, passed away at his home on Friday, October 17, 2025. Born to Al and Barbara (Roberts) Howells on July 10, 1946, in Appleton, Wis., Tom spent his childhood playing basketball with friends and sneaking all his vegetables to his beagle, Penny, under the kitchen table.

After graduating from Appleton High School in 1964, Tom went on to receive his B.A. in Economics from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana (1968) and his M.A. in Public Administration from University of Wisconsin-Madison (1971). A Vietnam Veteran, he served his country as a member of the U.S. Army from 1968-1970.

Tom met his wife, Muriel LaRochelle, in Waterville, Maine, while working as a social worker in her hometown. After a little persistence on his part, he finally captured Muriel’s attention, and their story began. They moved to Madison to start a new adventure in 1973 and were married in 1974. They raised their two children in the Middleton community, in a home filled with love, laughter, lots of silliness, and two special pug dogs, Puggy and Cricket.

Tom’s career in Wisconsin began in 1973 at the DOA Budget Office and then transitioned to the Department of Transportation. In 1979, he took on the leadership role at the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association (WMCA), representing more than 1,100 companies operating commercial motor vehicles in the state. He served as President of the Association for 35 years before retiring in 2014. He was a highly respected figure in Wisconsin’s transportation industry and nationally recognized for his leadership and advocacy. He established Wisconsin’s first state trucking association “Road Team,” promoting highway safety education and recognizing safe truck drivers. Tom founded the President’s Safe Driver Club in 1996, which honored professional drivers with exemplary safety records and grew to include more than 1,350 members. He served as National Chairman of the Trucking Association Executives Council (TAEC) from 1992-1993, and as Chair of the Wisconsin Highway Users Alliance from 2003-2013. He was named to the WMCA Hall of Fame in 2004 for outstanding service to the trucking industry and community. He received the J.J. Keller President’s Award in 2007 as recognition from his peers and the American Trucking Associations (ATA), as well the ATA President’s TAEC Leadership Award in 2007. Tom was known for his integrity, dedication, and enthusiasm. His legacy includes significant contributions to highway safety, industry professionalism, and legislative advocacy.

One of Tom’s passions throughout life and in retirement was serving his community and volunteering. He was an active member of Sertoma, the Wisconsin Academy of Graduate Service Dogs (WAGS), WayForward Resources (formerly Middleton Outreach Ministry), and most recently served as Vice President of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

Tom loved sports, cards, and games of all types. He was an avid fan of the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers. When he wasn’t cheering from the stands, you’d find him glued to the television, shouting encouragement (and occasionally a frustrated expletive or two) from the couch. He loved participating in fantasy sports leagues. He reveled in analyzing stats, conducting research on players, and debating strategies. Even more than that, his football, baseball, and NASCAR teams gave him a way to connect with family and friends. Similarly, for many years he ran an annual family NCAA basketball tournament pool that was a cherished family tradition and a favorite of his grandchildren. A sharp card player, Tom was a regular attendee of poker nights and bridge leagues throughout his life. He was also known to hit a few golf balls over the years, even if not always as straight or as far as he would’ve liked. Later in life, his love of travel took him and Muriel to Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, several European river cruises, and annual retreats to Door County with friends.

Tom, also known lovingly as Papa, Paey, Mr. Howie, and Mr. Bugs, always prioritized spending quality time with each of his children and grandchildren. He was a consistent, supportive presence at countless ski races, dance recitals, soccer and baseball games, swim and gymnastic meets, and school functions over the years. Known for his famous chocolate chip pancakes, he adored playing games with his grandchildren, and prided himself on being “the silliest of them all.” Whether he was coaching his son’s CYO basketball in the ‘90s or dropping off donuts for the grandkids after school, he always made time for his family and was deeply involved in their lives. Unforgettable family adventures included fishing trips to Canada, lakeside stays at cabins in northern Wisconsin, ski trips to Colorado and Utah, annual camping excursions at Governor Dodge State Park, and many summer trips all over the country. He provided endless opportunities for his children to grow, explore, and expand on their own experiences, while instilling in them a deep sense of respect and appreciation for other people and their perspectives.

Tom’s life was organized around his relationships, which he valued deeply. The most special thing to him was a meaningful conversation. He prioritized making everyone feel comfortable and included, and had a unique ability to develop long-lasting, special connections. He genuinely cared to get to know new people and to keep in close contact with his cherished friends. He was the best listener. Whether as a comforter, mentor, motivator, or silent supporter, he had the ability to be whatever his friends needed in that moment. With empathy and a grounded perspective, he enjoyed helping those around him talk through difficult times or help them make tough decisions.

Whether telling stories or jokes, he had a great sense of humor that brought out the best in those around him. His laugh, energy and compassion will be sorely missed by all those who were lucky enough to have him in their lives.

Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years, Muriel Howells; son, Brad (Theresa O’Brien) Howells of Oakland, California; daughter, Joy (Matthew) Sawatzki of Verona; grandchildren, Emersyn, Adelynn and Lacey Sawatzki, and Graeme and Irving Howells; sister, Sue Clark of Illinois; sisters-in-law, Theresa (Ron) Bailey of Maine, Elaine (David) McQuillan of New Hampshire, Ann (Mike) Roderigue of Maine and Lisa (Mike) Whisman of Illinois; brothers-in-law, Raymond (Brenda Shea) LaRochelle of Vermont and Donnie LaRochelle of Maine; nieces, Jessica (Erik) Caron of Maine, Bethany (Miriah) Roderigue of Maine, Sarah (Brett) Kubiak of Massachusetts, Ashley (Patrick) Cassidy of Massachusetts, KaLii (Greg) Mehuron of Vermont, Becky McQuillan Sigillo of New Hampshire, Carly Rae LaRochelle of Maine and Abby LaRochelle of Maine; and nephews, Mike (Joan) Clark of Nevada, Scott (Eileen) Clark of Illinois, Josh (Lisa) Bailey of Maine, Jarred (Kristen) Bailey of Maine, Jordan (Lauren) Bailey of Maine, Ryan McQuillan of Washington, Alex (Chrissy) Josephson of Arizona and Austin Josephson of Arizona. Tom also leaves behind many friends, neighbors and loved ones who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Barbara Howells; parents-in-law, Roland and Lucille LaRochelle; and brother-in-law, John Clark.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to all those who have supported them during this time of loss.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025. A memorial service, with a reception to follow, will be held at the EDGEWATER HOTEL, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

Memorials can be made to the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP of Dane County) or the Wisconsin Academy of Graduate Service Dogs (WAGS).

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Thomas A Howells

July 10, 1946 - October 17, 2025

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