Melissa Darlene Howell, 62, of Waco, passed away Monday, Aug. 27 at a local hospital. Graveside services will be 1 pm Friday, Aug. 31 at Rosemound Cemetery with Rev. Harley Gordon officiating. Visitation will be 6 to 8 pm Thursday, Aug. 30 at Bellmead Funeral Home. Melissa was born April 21, 1950 in Clifton, Texas, to John and Dovie (Trussell) Burdett. She was a seamstress for Hill Sewing and was a member of Beacon Hill Baptist Church. She loved her family and friends, even through her illness. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Ray Owen; two sons, David Howell and Coy Howell Sr.; sister, Bonnie Moorefield; and brother, Johnny Burdett. Survivors include her daughters, Dovie Reisner of Waco and Kathy Haney of Aquilla; sisters, Barbara Hill of Waco and Ruby Smith of Abilene; brother, Foy Burdett of Stanford; 4 grandchildren, Taz Burleson, Keith Henson, Coy Howell Jr. and Anthony; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be, Daylon Moorefield, Jerry Fairchild, Lanny Smith, Rocky Smith, Taz Burleson, Keith Henson and Coy Howell Jr.