Percy Howell (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Percy Howell

11:57am Thursday 21st July 2011 in Obituaries

Father-of-four Percy Howell, who played with the Kennet Vale brass Band for many years, died at home on Monday at the age of 73.

His death came nine weeks after being told he had lung cancer.

Mr Howell, who was always known as Titch to friends, died at his home in Purcells Court in George Lane in Marlborough on Monday with his wife June at his bedside.

The funeral takes place at St Mary’s Church on Tuesday at 11am when it is hoped the Royal British Legion branch standard will be carried in honour of his long membership including former branch secretary.

Mr Howell was born in Marlborough in Riding School Yard in the High Street.

His father was a coalman with DW Free and Sons but was to die at Dunkirk during the Second World War.

After going to St Peter’s Junior and Marlborough Secondary Modern schools Mr Howell trained as a carpenter but then joined the 14/20th Kings Hussars specifically to become a bandsman.

After nine years service, which included postings to Germany and Libya, where his son Paul was born, Mr Howell returned to the building trade as a carpenter and worked for a number of local building firms.

He played with the old Marlborough Town Band before it merged with Overton band and became the Kennet Valley Band.

“He could play everything from cornet to bass ... if it could be blown he could play it,” said his wife.

Mr Howell played with the Kennet Valley Band for many years and occasionally attended Kings Hussars reunions.

Mr and Mrs Howell met at the local cinema and were married in 1960 after a stormy courtship.

Mrs Howell recalled. “We got engaged when I was 16, un-engaged when I was 17 and re-engaged when I was 19.”

The couple lived at Barnfield for most of their married life but moved to Purcells Court 14 years ago.

Mr Howell is survived by one of his two sisters, Audrey, his wife, daughters Teresa and Mandy, sons Paul and Kevin and by four grandsons.