LTC(Ret.) James Gerald Howard

Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery with Pastor Mike Woodard officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 5-6:00 PM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home 5701 US Highway 277 S. in Abilene.

Gerald, also known as Papaw, was born in Post, Texas to Elmer and Bessie (Kuykendahl) Howard on November 3, 1936. He graduated from Anson High School in 1954. After high school Gerald worked for the Texas Highway Department. He married his sweetheart Joyce Nan Thetford on September 15, 1957. Then going to work full-time with the Texas National Guard and graduating from Nike Missile Electronics training in Ft. Bliss, Texas. With this training, the family moved to Denton, Texas to the Nike Missile base. During the time in Denton, Gerald graduated from Officers Candidate School. The next family move was to the Nike base in New Jersey, until all United States missile bases were closed. This led Gerald to his final military career job as a Lieutenant Colonel and Shop Superintendent of CSMS with the Oklahoma National Guard (civil service) in Norman, Oklahoma.

Upton retirement, Gerald and Nan moved to Abilene, Texas to be near friends and family. Gerald and Nan became members of Southwest Park Baptist Church. They were avid golfers and U.S travelers (Nan didn’t fly). However, most days you could find Gerald working on household projects, taking pride in the yard or just tinkering in the garage. He also spent many years with his grandchildren and was lucky enough to enjoy time with his great-grandchildren.

Gerald was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jayson; parents, Elmer and Bessie; brothers, E.L., Albert and Dale; and sister, Audrey Mae.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife, of 68 years, Nan; his daughters Sheryl Haire and her husband Richard of Aubrey Texas; grandchildren, Courtney Harding and her husband Kyle and Colton Woodard; great-grandchildren, Camryn and Hawk Harding; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends,

Gerald will be remembered as a loving father and husband, the anchor of the family, a lover of animals and the great protector.

The family of Gerald Howard wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the Mesa Springs Healthcare Center, Dr. Lynn Robinson, her nurse Christine and Kinder Hearts Hospice. In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

To leave condolences please visit, www.elliott-hamil.com.