H.D. “Butch” Howard

H.D. “Butch” Howard, 76, of Tarzan, passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 6:00PM-8:00PM at Gilbreath Funeral Home in Stanton. Graveside service will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 1:00PM at Evergreen Cemetery in Stanton.

Butch was born on March 25, 1945 in Lamesa, TX to Homer Howard Jr. and Maxine Mims Howard. He enjoyed his childhood, growing up with his three brothers, in Tarzan, TX, surrounded by grandparents and extended family. He went on to graduate from Flower Grove High School in 1963 and continued his education at Howard College. In 1966 he welcomed his first child and went on to have two more. Throughout his life he worked many different jobs, but farming was a constant passion and way of life for him. In 1980 he took office as the Martin County Treasurer, where he remained until his retirement in 2010. For him retirement meant more family time, as he had 4 granddaughters and would welcome two more grands in the next two years. Outside of his life as a farmer and elected official, he also made time for his community. Butch was on the Grady ISD school board for many years prior to taking office and was a founding member of the Martin County Sr. Citizens Foundation, where he served for almost 30 years.

Butch is survived by his children, Deborah Blume of Portland, OR, Don Howard of Texas City, TX, and Patricia Howard of Midland, Texas; the mothers of his children, LaRee Baker Howard, of Blackwell, TX and Brenda Davis of Lamesa, TX; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Johnny Howard of Junction, Danny and Nancy Howard of Ackerly, and Bill and Cynthia Howard of Midland; and last but most importantly to him, 6 grandchildren Eden Howard, Kasey Oldag, Tayler Howard, Marie Howard, Brynlee Howard, and Braxtyn Howard and 2 great grandsons Case and Dax.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Howard Jr. and Maxine Mims Howard.

The family would like to express their gratitude towards the staff at Polo Park Estates, his nurse with Home Care Plus, and the wonderful Martin County community.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Choctaw Cultural Center in Durant, OK, The Martin County Sr. Center Foundation, and The Martin County Historical Museum.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.