Leonard Howard, Jr

Leonard Charles Howard Jr, 78, ended his long battle with congestive heart failure on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at the Goodall Whitcher Nursing Facility in Clifton, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, in the Clifton Church of Christ. Minister Steve Countryman officiating. Burial will be in the Meridian Cemetery. A visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M., Thursday, Oct. 5,2017, in the Lawson Funeral Home Chapel. Pall bearers will be Brad Coffelt, Byron Howard, Everett Ray Howard, Gary Howard, Gary Phillips, Jerald Phillips, Michael Phillips and Johnny Waldrop.

Charles was survived by his wife of 59 years, Iola Faye (Flatt) Howard; his daughter, Susan Baker and her husband Ronnie Baker, from Meridian, Texas. He was also survived by grandchildren, Lance Baker and wife Meghan Baker, from Houston, Texas; Micah Baker and wife Kayla Baker from Plano, Texas; and Kelsy Baker from McKinney, Texas; two great granddaughters, Norah and Emery. Two brothers, Ray Howard and wife Diane of Santa Fe, Texas, Frank Howard of George West, Texas; and many other family members and friends.

Charles was born February 8, 1939, in Galveston, Texas to Leonard Charles Howard Sr and Isabelle Anna Crainer. Charles attended school in Galveston and Meridian, Texas. He grew up on the family farm south of Meridian on the banks of the Bosque River, where he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He graduated from Meridian High School in 1957. After Graduation Charles served in the Armed Forces until he was honorable discharged. Charles then was employed as a longshoreman in Galveston, Texas. On June 27, 1958, Charles married his high school sweetheart, Iola Faye Flatt. On October 17, 1960 they were gifted with a baby girl, Susan Gwen Howard.

Charles moved his family to Meridian, Texas in the fall of 1966. While in Meridian Charles ranched and farmed. He also did custom farming, wildlife management and predator control. He was very active in varies agricultural agencies.

In 1992 Charles had a heart attack and his doctor encouraged him to eliminate stress in his life by changing his routine. Charles bought a hunting cabin in Albany, Texas and started guiding quail hunts and training bird dogs. Charles spent the hunting season in Albany, Texas and the remainder of the year in Meridian, Texas. Charles continued guiding until the quail population declined.

Throughout his life he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, hunting, fishing and playing dominoes. Charles was also very active with his Church family.

Pall bearers were Brad Coffelt, Bryon Howard, Everett Ray Howard, Gary Howard, Gary Phillips, Jerald Phillips, Michael Phillips and Johnny Waldrop.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association or the Clifton Church of Christ.

Words of comfort and peace can be sent to the family at www.lawsonfh@sbcglobal.net.

Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, Meridian, Texas 254-435-2792.