Carl E Howard's Obituary
Carl E Howard passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 15. He was 87 years old.
Born on June 4, 1939, he was the youngest child of Robert and Lu Vena Howard. He met Deanna June Fox in high school, and they married on June 27, 1959 in Okemah, Oklahoma.
A natural “fixer,” he gravitated toward work that allowed him to use his brain and hands together to repair whatever was broken. Early in Carl and Deanna’s marriage, he worked at a Ford dealership and a NAPA parts store. When the opportunity to interview for a position with American Airlinespresented itself, he took it. In 1968, the family which by then included two boys, Robert and Steven, moved from Okemah to the big city of Tulsa. Carl began working as a supply clerk and eventually earned certification as an airplane mechanic.
His fix-it skills extended well beyond his work. He was on-call for any car, house, or church emergency that might arise. Very often, he was on the receiving end of calls from his children describing the sounds their vehicles were making. With a few questions, he could typically diagnose the problem, buy the part, and be on his way to make the repairs. When his grandson William was 5 or 6, he expressed awe at his Papa’s mechanical abilities saying, “Papa can fix ANYTHING, even a dead dog.” This wasn’t too far from the truth.
In 1973, the family moved to Broken Arrow and soon began attending a mission of South Lakewood Baptist Church that would eventually become Florence Street Baptist. Carl and Deanna were dedicated, involved members, serving in multiple capacities. Carl was a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Maintenance committee member, and Treasurer. In reflecting upon their memories, Robert and Rebecca recalled that much of their family time was spent at the church—cleaning, mowing, repairing things. They said Dad made service feel like an adventure. Rebecca was particularly fond of getting to drive the riding mower while her dad drove the tractor to mow the grounds. Carl was most himself when in service to others.
He loved his family and was always up for a game of Yahtzee, pool, horseshoes, or corn hole. He delighted in his children’swinning, but would never dream of just “letting them.” He taught all his children to fish, spending hours trolling for the right spot that would result in a catch. Even if the catch count was zero, the time spent in the late afternoons and early evenings were so special—if not always peaceful. Robert recalls a time when far from the dock, the boat engine died. After many attempts at repair, Carl said “well, boys, start paddling.” When Steve began humming the Hawaii 5-0 theme song, even Carl had to laugh and joined in paddling the two miles back.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lu Vena Howard, sister Jeannette Findley, and son, Steven Howard. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Deanna; son Robert and wife Cathy; daughter Rebecca and spouse Joy; brother Robert (Bob) Howard and wife Wanda; Granddaughter Rachel Olmstead and husband Ricky; grandson William Howard; Great grandchildren Scarlett McKinlay and Lance Howard; and a host of extended and church family whom he loved dearly.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 18 at 10 am at Florence Street Baptist Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. Visitation hours will be from 4-6 pm on Friday, July 17th at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow. A graveside service for family will be on July 18 at 1:30 pm at Floral Haven.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Oxford Springs Assisted Living and A-Vow Hospice for their compassionate care.
May we all honor Carl with our own acts of humble service. As 1 John 3:18 states, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
What’s your fondest memory of Carl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carl?
Share a story where Carl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carl you’ll never forget.
How did Carl make you smile?