Howard “Panky” L. Cantwell, 95, of Kewanee, passed away Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at Hillcrest Home in Geneseo. He was born Oct. 26, 1931, in Toulon, the son of Clarence and Lucille (Fletcher) Cantwell. He married Mabel Lisenbee on July 14, 1953; she survives.

Howard is also survived by, his children, Linda Allen of Abingdon, Danny Lee “Buzzard” (Vicky) Cantwell of Toulon and Brenda (Tom) Swearingen of Kewanee; brother, Martin “Tuddy” Cantwell of Toulon; sister, Sandy (Leighton) Williams of LaFayette; grandchildren, David, Christina, Shannon, Jason, Damien and Crystal; 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ronny Cantwell; grandson, Nathan Swearingen; brothers, Marion, Roy, Roger, Clifford “Noopy,” Harold and Gary Cantwell; and sisters, Maxine Barlow and Jesse Dennison.

Howard served his country with the Army. He worked for the Kewanee Boiler Shop and for the city of Kewanee in the street department. He never missed an auction sale (unless he was sick) and enjoyed collecting clocks. In his younger years, he liked to camp at campgrounds such as Little Johns, Victoria and 40&8 Atkinson. Howard was great in his role as a grandfather; he loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities. He was a member of the Kewanee VFW and American Legion.

Per Howard’s wishes, a private family graveside service will be held with military honors accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. Please leave a condolence online for Howard’s family at www.golnickhaskellfh.com.