Howard Thomas York Sr.

He worked on the family farm most of his young life, only completing school through the 6th grade. He served his country for one year in the U. S. Air Force. He married the love of his life, Billie Smith, on May 25, 1946. They were married for 78 years, until Billie's death on August 24, 2024. They had three children, Sandra Speight of Rockwall, Howard York, Jr. of Mesquite, and Jacky York of Princeton (deceased).

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Billie; his son Jacky; and six brothers and six sisters.

Howard is survived by his daughter Sandra Speight and her husband, Gene; his son Howard York, Jr., and his wife, Cindy; and his daughter-in-law Linda York. He is also survived by his grandchildren Valerie Elliott, Nathan York, Joshua Speight, and Natalie Martin. Also surviving him are his great grandchildren Talin, Macie, and Paige Elliott, Ainsley and Evelyn Speight, and Rhett and Reese Martin.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11a.m. at First Baptist Church in Gun Barrel City, Texas. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Eubank Cedar Creek Memorial Park in Mabank, Texas.