A graveside service will be held at Shep Cemetery in Shep, Texas at 10am on Friday, July 2, 2021. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021 from 5 to 7 pm at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, Abilene, Texas.
Carl was born on September 13, 1929 in Wingate, Texas to O.W. Howard and Mae Childers Howard. He married Velda G. Ballard on April 2, 1953. She was the love of his life and they were married for 66 years. Carl worked for the City of Abilene as a water service supervisor until he retired in 1993. He was an active member of Elmwood West United Methodist Church in Abilene, Texas for over 50 years. Carl served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953 and he received an associates degree from Ranger Jr. College in 1958. Carl was an avid Texas Rangers baseball fan. He loved sitting in his recliner in the sun room and watching his Texas Rangers play baseball.
Carl loved his family and was happiest when everyone was together. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the apple of his eye and he loved spending time with them.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents O. W. and Mae Howard, and his wife Velda G. Ballard Howard.
Carl is survived by two sons, Larry Howard and wife Kathy of Abilene, Texas, Scott Howard and wife Teresa of Clyde, Texas; grandchildren Zack Howard and wife Angela of Atlanta, Georgia, Blake Howard and wife Mindy of Clyde, Texas, Brooke Howard of Abilene, Texas, Devon McNeal and husband Kevin of Houston, Texas; great grandchildren, Joseph and Grace Howard of Atlanta, Georgia, Eli, Emmy Kate, and Easton Howard of Clyde, Texas and Jordi McNeal of Houston, Texas.
Honorary pallbearers are Blake Howard, Zack Howard, Kevin McNeal, Randy Haynes, Calvin Helm, Dennis Howard, Danny Howard and Steve Howard.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Elmwood West United Methodist Church, Abilene, Texas.
