Obituary of Thomas Melton Howell, Sr.

Thomas Melton Howell, Sr, 86, of Sulphur Springs passed from this life to join his Lord and Savior on October 25, 2014. Thomas was born on September 16, 1928 in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana to George and Corene Howell. As a young man he proudly served his country by joining the United States Air Force. While stationed in San Antonio, Texas he met and married the great love of his life, Dorothy Ellen (Pike) Howell on August 26, 1950. Once retired from the Air Force, Thomas joined Ford Motor Company in Dallas, Texas were he gave faithful service for 20 years. Upon retirement from Ford, he worked for himself as a Metal Fabricator and ultimately moved to Sulphur Springs where he enjoyed life as a Rancher. Together, he and his beloved wife Dorothy enjoyed the blessings of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a life filled with love and laughter. Always the gentleman, Thomas doted on his wife of 64 years and delighted in serving Dorothy her morning coffee before seeing to the tasks of the day. Quick to volunteer his time, family, friends, and neighbors alike could count on Thomas to help them with anything from fixing fence to wrangling cats. Thomas was a member of First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs, the Radio Bible Class at FBC, and the Hopkins County Military Coalition. An avid outdoorsman, Thomas loved fishing in his pond, tending to his cattle, and getting his hands dirty. Ever the jokester, he’d always have a good joke to share, with a grin he would remind you not to do anything he wouldn’t do, serve jalapeños to unwitting grandchildren, and let you know that he would “see you in the funny papers!” He is reunited in heaven with his parents and three brothers who all once sang together in a group at church…the Howell Quartet is back together. Thomas is survived by his wife, Dorothy Howell of Sulphur Springs; their five children Thomas Howell, Jr. and his wife Gladys of Sulphur Springs; Larry Howell and his wife Gwen of Terrell; Beverly Prater and her husband Troy of Garland; Gary Howell and his wife Diana of Denison; George Howell and his wife Trisha of Garland. He is also survived by his sister Marie Hass of Terrell, twelve grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family members and friends. The family will receive friends for visitation and a celebration of life at West Oaks Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2014. A Christian Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 in the Chapel of theFirst Baptist Church Sulphur Springs. Interment will follow at Greenview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to the Radio Bible Class, 116 Oak Ave, Sulphur Springs, TX 75842, or the Hopkins County Military Coalition, Care of Gene White, 147 Fore St, Sulphur Springs, TX 75842. Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com