JEFFERY L. HOWARD

Jeff was born in Canyon, Texas, on May 1, 1960 to Delvin W. and Claudette M Howard. Jeff had very fond memories of his time spent in Branson, Colorado, while in elementary where his father taught school. His father moved the family to Stratford, Texas to teach school where Jeff attended both middle and high school. He graduated from Stratford, Texas High School in May 1978. Jeff loved his childhood. He loved visiting his Grandad and Grandma Howard's farm where he could explore, run and play with siblings and cousins. Go fishing with Grandad, dad, brother, and also know he could count on the best cooking ever because no one could cook like Grandma Howard. He spent time in Laverne, Oklahoma with his Grandpa and Grandma Bartow. He had so many memories of his Grandpa Bartow's stories and playing baseball during the summer. After graduating he moved to Amarillo, TX for a short time then moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and started his Career with GTE (later Verizon) as Installer/Repairman in 1983. Shortly after he transferred to Laverne, Oklahoma as cable splicer. During his time in Laverne, Oklahoma, one of his hobbies was learning all things computers and software programming which later contributed to his success later in his career. His other hobby was all things guns which led to a close bond with his best friend Larry Witchey. He also welcomed what he says was his greatest gift, his son Jeffery Layne Howard in December 1988. In 1990 he transferred to Garland, Texas with Verizon (formerly GTE). Utilizing his skills and knowledge that he had taught himself and continued to learn, after 24 years he retired from Verizon as a Software/Application Development Manager in the Internet Group. He loved technology, he found it exciting and an honor to be part of the start of the internet going public. Shortly after he transferred, to Garland, Texas he met Debbie who also worked for GTE. They married October 7, 1994, in Laverne, Oklahoma. They made their home in Garland, Texas until they retired from Verizon and moved to Laverne, Oklahoma where he accepted a position in the Water Department in Laverne and Debbie went to work for Venture Foods in 2006. He was later appointed to Town Superintendent. During his time as Town Superintendent he led the town through a major water project as well as the Fire and Ice Storms of 2017. He was always available to the citizens until the town board voted not to re-appoint him in 2018. Since then Jeff has lived a very quiet life with his wife of 30 years and his “girls" Alice, Silky, and Sophie. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Devlin Howard. Jeff left his earthly home on October 16, 2024 at the Harper County Community Hospital. Jeff is survived by his wife Deborah Howard of the home, mother, Claudette M Bartow Howard, son, Jeffery Layne Howard, brother, Rick and wife Jan Howard, sisters, Shelly and husband Monte Eisenman, Melaney and husband Jim Henson, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, other family and many friends. The things about Jeff that was consistent throughout his life was his love, pride, and loyalty to his family and friends! Jeff was very kind hearted yet brutally honest. There was no child or animal he couldn't make a connection with. He truly loved and was passionate about his and all animals. 

In lieu of flowers a memorial can be sent to the Woodward Animal Shelter 2420 Western St. Woodward, OK 73801.