Ralph Howard

Ralph Dale Howard passed away Sunday, January 27, 2019 in Abilene, Texas. A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 30, 2019 in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas.

Ralph was born June 21, 1930 to Glen and Frances Howard in Wichita Kansas. As a young man he found a love for sports, playing basketball and tennis but enjoyed all sports. Ralph met the love of his life and high school sweetheart Ola and they married on December 29, 1951 after 57 years of beautiful marriage Ola passed away on January 1, 2009. Ralph joined the Air Force and attended Air Force training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. From there he was stationed at numerous Air Force bases including, Japan, Iceland, Louisiana, and Washington D.C where he worked at the Pentagon until 1964 when he was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. Ralph retired from the Air Force in 1977 having served his country for 26 years. After retirement he went to work for The City of Abilene Water and Sewer Division eventually becoming a supervisor and retiring in 1992 after 15 years. Ralph enjoyed the outdoors, golfing, fishing, animals, crossword puzzles, dancing, bowling, and watching sporting events especially The Dallas Cowboys. He was a member of Abilene Bowling Lane's bowling league and was an active member until an injury kept him from participating any longer in 2017. He was an avid cat lover at heart owning several in his lifetime. Ralph was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend that will be dearly missed.

He is preceded in death by his spouse, Ola A. Howard; son in law, Michael Logan; his parents; three brothers; and two sisters.

Ralph is survived by his children, Kerry D. Howard, Ginger A. Logan, Mary F. Howard all of Abilene, Texas, Timothy L. Howard and his wife Viola of Dayton Nevada, and Kevin J. Howard of Wolfforth, Texas; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one brother, Larry Howard and one sister, Maxine Hartsfield both of Houston, Texas; one brother in law; three sister in laws; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family through the obituary link at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at Mesa Springs Healthcare Center and to the nurses at Hendrick Hospice for taking care of Dad during his last days.

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