He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bonita, and their four children and their spouses: Crystena and James Schneider of Leander, TX; Cheryl and Mike Starich of Georgetown, TX; Cliff and Laura Dearing of Comanche, TX; and Charles and Karen Dearing of Gatesville, TX; six of his grandchildren: Cody, John, Jessica, Kacey, Nicholas, and Desiree; and his four great-grandchildren: Skylar, Blake, Brooklyn, and Emma. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard L. and Jayne (Russell) Dearing, and his precious granddaughter, Kimberly.
Born July 29, 1943 in Austin, Texas, Howard grew up in Austin and attended Austin High School. He studied briefly at Tarleton State University before enlisting in the U.S. Army. A career soldier, Howard proudly served over 22 years. He volunteered for two combat tours in Vietnam, served with the Army Security Agency and Special Forces, and led a company of over 275 troops in Berlin during the height of the Cold War. When he was selected for Sergeant Major, he turned down the promotion to retire as First Sergeant in 1984 so that he and Bonita could remain in their home state of Texas for the rest of their days.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 2:00pm at Riley Funeral Home in Hamilton, TX, followed by interment at Gentry’s Mill Cemetery where Howard will receive military funeral honors.
