Thomas "Tom" M. Howell, long-time farmer and resident of Roll, Arizona, peacefully passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 10, 2014, at age 81.Tom was born on August 3, 1932, in Fresno, California. He graduated from East Bakersfield High School, where he received the Sam Lynn Trophy for best all-around athlete in three sports for Kern County. Tom went on to attend Stanford University on a football scholarship, where he majored in Geology and was a proud member of Zeta Psi Fraternity. Tom hosted an annual Zeta Psi gathering for the opening of dove season for over 50 years.While in Bakersfield, Tom met love of his life Lea Rae Rideaux. Tom and Lea married in Bakersfield on June 15, 1957 and moved to Roll, where Tom farmed and managed over 4,000 acres. Tom served as a long-time board member of Southern Arizona Bank and the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District. He was also a frequent bidder at the Yuma County Fair junior livestock auction.His adventurous, fun-loving spirit led him to become an avid hunter and fisherman, yet he always felt most at peace just spending time on his farm. The little things in life always pleased him: a cold beer, a good shade hat, a new pack of Jolly Ranchers, or the daily ride to the Roll post office to pick up the mail. Tom loved his family and friends fiercely. His quiet presence always made others feel good and strong and comfortable. He had a sharp wit, and never let an opportunity go by to point out the humor in a situation.Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather with an enthusiastic love of life, which led him to have a heart transplant in 2004 at Stanford Hospital. We will sorely miss him, but now he has "gone fishing."He is survived by his wife, Lea; children, Kevin and Kendall; and grandchildren Steven and Kathleen.Burial will be private. A public gathering in Tom's honor will take place at the Yuma Golf & Country Club, 3150 South Fortuna Ave., on Monday, June 23, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome.In lieu of flowers, please consider becoming an organ donor. Donations can be made to Tri-Valley Ambulance or the Yuma Humane Society.Please sign the guestbook at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun/