Don Howard

November 26, 1940 ~ January 13, 2022 (age 81)

Don was born on November 26, 1940, to the family of Joseph Clayton Howard and Gladys (Ramsey) Howard and siblings Joe Jr., Betty Jane (Hogue), and Mary Frances (Blackman) at the Dublin Hospital. Two years later they welcomed little brother Eddie.

Don grew up on the family dairy farm in Bunyan Community, just outside of Dublin. He attended school in Dublin, where he was part of the Lions football and baseball teams, and was given the nickname “Tuffy.” After high school he joined the United States Army. Upon completion of basic training, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Clayton. While they were married, he proudly served the US Army as a radar technician. His enlistment took he and Linda on many adventures around the world, including France, Germany, and Hawaii.  During that time, they celebrated the births of their first two children Donna and Dennis.

After Army life Don and Linda returned to Granbury, Texas, where he put his skills to use working for General Dynamics. His passion and drive soon led him into entrepreneurship, applying his understanding of electronics to the Granbury-based television and appliance store he owned and operated. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and the community. It was there that they celebrated the birth of their third child Bobby. When Multiple Sclerosis made it impossible to continue work, they moved to Stephenville in the early 1970s to be closer to the support of family. Linda passed away of cancer in March of 1975.

Don was fortunate enough to have a second chance at love and went on to marry his rock and love of his life, Ola Faye (Reich) Eubanks and her children, Kenneth and Tammy, on November 3, 1978. These two families united, joined through faith and the will of God, creating a new chapter in all of their lives. They remained in Stephenville where they had many adventures, built many memories, and shared joys and heartaches with the love and support of each other.

Don was a true self-made man. He picked up many skills and talents throughout his lifetime. The work with his family on the dairy grew his love and knowledge of farming and implements. His aptitude for mechanics which stemmed from his service led him to his interest in automotive and electronics. Additionally, his fascination and love of numbers allowed him to venture into successful investment opportunities where he used his ability to diagnose and problem-solve issues, as well as delegate and instruct meticulously in order to get things done.

There were many other things in life that brought Don joy. Hunting – he loved a good hunt. It didn’t really matter if he hit his target, but it was a definite bonus. Kids – Don was passionate about his kids. There were few things he loved to hear and talk about more than his kids and their accomplishments. Grandkids – they were truly the twinkle in his eye and the pep in his step. He loved watching them grow.

Don was taught the love of Jesus from birth and lived a life of trust and love of his Savior Jesus. He was a Christian first and denomination second. He lived his life on faith and trust in God’s hands.

He is survived by his wife Ola Faye, and his children; daughter Donna, and her children Brandon, Diah, and Tobias; son Dennis and wife Jerri and their son Daniel and wife Alicia and their son Dylan; son Bob and his wife Lisa with their sons Bobby and Joseph; son Kenneth Eubanks and wife Julia; and daughter Tammy Eubanks Cogburn and her husband Mark and sons Billy and Bradley. His is also survived by his sister Mary Blackman, brother Eddie Howard and his wife Mary, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place at Stephenville Funeral Home

120 W. South Loop, Stephenville, TX

Saturday, January 15, 2022

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Stephenville Funeral Home

120 W. South Loop, Stephenville, TX

Sunday, January 16, 2022

2:00 pm.

Graveside service immediately following at Upper Greens Creek Cemetery

               County Road 351, Dublin, TX

               Behind Greens Creek Baptist Church

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial wishes be made to Upper Greens Creek Cemetery at 376 PR 1170 Dublin, TX 76446, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society online at www.mymsaa.com, or a charity of your choice.