I have been living in Oregon the past few years and have only recently heard about Craig's passing, a year after his death. I am shocked and saddened and pray for peace and comfort for his family and Sarah.

It's been a year since Craig left us. I grieve for my son every day.

It's been a year since Craig left us. I grieve for my son every day.

Craig and I started graduate school together a thousand years ago, and it was within the first few weeks together that we decided everyone needed nicknames and hence "Texaco" was born. We were a close-knit group of aspiring scientists and good friends, and Texaco was a part of every harebrained plan that we put together on short notice. For our first group ski-outing, Texaco thought it made sense to try the slopes for the first time wearing jeans and refusing to wear gloves. He was soaked, and I've never seen skin turn so red. But that was Craig - always a standout. This was also evidenced by him finishing his Ph.D. before any of the rest of us in his class, which he did modestly and to me - unsurprisingly. Knowing him was a pleasure, befriending him a true honor, and his sense of humor was among the best I've ever seen.

I will forever remember him when someone says "Jesus" with the response, "yes, my child?"

With sadness and admiration, and a slew of terrific memories,

David Infanger

I have lite this candle for you. You will always be missed & never forgotton.

Craig, I never told you how nuch you meant to me so, I will tell the whole world now. I was always amazed that someone of your brilliance would take the time to be my friend and even though we didn't have alot of time together, EVERY time we were together, it was dynamic, unexplainable, fantastic FUN. You were one of the few people that I could go years without seeing or talking to and when we got together, we just picked up where we left off. I have been blessed to know you, your presence in my life made my life a better place to be and I will always carry pictures of you I took in my mind of wonderful moments that made everlasting memories carried forever in my heart and mind. Thank you for being my friend. Death does not prevent me from remaining yours, I will think of you often, I will remember you on your birthday and light a candle for you and what your life meant not only to me, but all lives you touched.

My dad married Craig's aunt Judy . I remember getting to meet Craig when he & his family got to come to Ohio to grandma ray's house. Before the weekend was over, severe all friends. He was always such a smart guy. Dad & Judy always kept me updated on what they were up to. My prayers are with his family...

Remembering Craig growing up, and hearing that he had joined the marines. As Craig was a skinny little kid the last time we had seen him we couldn't believe the Marines would take such a runt,but they did, and he flourished. We were able to attend his graduation and reciept of his PHD in 2008. We were so proud of Craig, his accomplishments ,and the man he had become. Though Craig left us at such a young age, we were blessed to have had him in our lives for the time that we had.

We were beyond heartbroken to hear of Craig's passing. We only got to meet him once, during a magical weekend family get-together, but it made a very special memory for us and everyone who was there. We had dinner at St. Elmo steakhouse in Indianapolis and Craig ordered a gigantic steak. We all just cracked up when the waiter brought it to the table and we saw how big it was, but Craig did manage to eat most of it. It was a wonderful evening filled with a lot of laughter that we will treasure forever. Craig, we will never forget you, and sure wish time had allowed us to get to know you better. Your family is in our thoughts and in our prayers.

I could not love you more if you were my own son, my heart is so broken words escape me. You will be missed Today, Tomorrow and Forever.

I say my goodbyes to a wonderful brother and best friend that can never be replaced. I loved our time together and have so many great memories that we shared. There will never be another one like you and I will miss you dearly. It's not often that an older brother looks up to a younger brother but I did that with you. I will do my best to live up to what you should have been.

I was very sad to hear of Craig's passing. From all the years I spent with Craig as a fellow graduate student at U of Iowa, one particular exchange sticks out in my memory. I was shooting video footage of an MCB program event, and I spontaneously asked him to say something funny. Without missing a beat and without any change in facial expression, he replied "Hippopotamus." At that moment, I thought that was the funniest thing I'd ever heard in my life. And that's what I loved about Craig: no matter what he was saying or doing, he made your day a little bit brighter simply by being himself. He was a dedicated scientist with a smile that could light up a room.

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Craig Howell. I was inspired by listening to him speak at our Relay for Life in Fort Madison last fall. I am further inspired by just reading the tributes here and struggle to understand why people like Craig, so talented, hardworking and eager to spend his life to make a difference for others are taken so early in their lives. I'm sure God has a supreme plan for him. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Howell family. I know how proud his father was of his accomplishments. My thanks to Craig for his service to his country and his contributions to fight cancer.

Craig entered the Molecular & Cellular Biology graduate program about a year after I began as Director of the program. He was a very bright and accomplished student who seemed to sail along hitting and exceeding the benchmarks before him. It was always a pleasure to sit and talk with Craig about how his studies were progressing and to watch him grow and become more independent as a scientist. His smile would brighten anybody's day, and his sense of humor would always bring a smile to your face. After stepping down as Director several years later, it was always nice to cross paths with Craig and to hear about his continuing success and growth as a postdoc. On a personal level, i have fond memories of having you at my home for recruitment weekend dinners and program retreat gatherings. I am still processing this news, and I cannot help but feel that we are all a little diminished for losing your light in our world. My most sincere condolences to your family and friends.

I heard the news of Craig over facebook. I am heartbroken to hear his story, and in remembering the friend I once knew from high school. We fell out of touch through the years, but I guess I still feel some kind of bond with him, like remembering his first day of school in Nacogdoches middle school when he sat behind me. We took many classes together in high school and I got to meet some of his family. He was a very intelligent person and I am proud to hear of what he has achieved. I will keep you in memory, and wish for healing for your family.

Craig Howell joined my laboratory in my first year at Iowa, and was one of the first graduate students to receive a Ph.D. under my supervision. He was a very talented scientist and a very good friend. His death this past weekend was a tragedy, and he will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this very sad time.

Dear Sarah -

I heard the news of your husband yesterday at our Relay for Life meeting. I can't imagine how you are feeling. I am so sorry.

I met you last October at our Relay for Life. Your husband spoke at our opening ceremony and you were there with your dog. I just remember we had a very nice chat - and your dog is so sweet.

I wish you comfort and peace.

Mindy Kraus

I came to know Dr. Howell because of his research grant funded by the American Cancer Society. I invited him to come and share his story and how he was fighting back against cancer by doing research to one of my Relay For Life events last summer, and by the end of that day, I had him penciled in to speak at the remaining three Relay For Life events that were planned in SE Iowa. Worried I was asking to much, he assured me that he truly enjoyed speaking at these events, sharing his story, and talking with and thanking all of the volunteers who were raising money to support research like his.

I will remember Craig as a brilliant and dedicated scientist who cared deeply about his research. I have been on many thesis committees and I can honestly say that his thesis was one of the best. It was a pleasure to be a part of his committee. His recent success in obtaining a prestigious American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship attests to his abilities. It is very sad to lose such a talented young man.

Craig,

I haven't been around as much as I would

have liked when you were growing up, but

it didn't lessen the love and the pride I carry for you.

Thank you for your service to our country.

I am proud of the research you were involved

in presently. That cure may come one day, because

of your dedication.

You will remain in my heart.

Love, "Aunt" Yvonne

I have so many wonderful memories of Craig (our Tex) that I don't even know where to start! He had the misfortune to be the only one to answer the phone in a blizzard when I had a flat tire. He came to my rescue and we got the car moving despite a broken jack, a flat spare and sub-freezing temperatures. That was when I learned that our Texan buddy was using a kitchen spatula as an ice scraper! I bought him dinner and a real ice scraper as a thank you. Tex was always there with a smart quip to make you laugh. He always left some beer in his glass for the fallen Marines. He was always a good friend. He will be dearly missed, his family is in my thoughts.

Craig was always a shinig star and a blessing to his family. He was loved deeply and will be forever missed. His death has left a hole in my heart that can never be filled.