Gene Howard

Gene Howard age 88 of Purcell, passed away on August 3, 2024. Thurman Eugene Howard was born to Thurman Enoch Howard and Ruth Elsie Howard on July 26, 1936 in Maysville, Oklahoma. He grew up in the Wayne area and attended school there. For a time, he helped his dad on the farm, raising broomcorn and cotton. Gene met the love of his life Peggy Mildred Johnson, through a mutual friend. She came to meet him only to find he’d gone fishing. He called her later that night and the young couple were soon married on October 12, 1962 in Marietta, OK. They first made their home in Oklahoma City before settling in Purcell in 1966. Gene spent most of his working years at W&W Steel. He was a gifted welder and enjoyed working with his hands. Gene was an avid fisherman and spent many days at Thunderbird Lake with close friends, casting lines and watching the sunset. Most mornings he could be found at a local coffee shop sharing stories about the big ones that got away. Along with his beloved wife, Peggy, Gene aided in McClain Co. Operation Christmas, bringing holiday joy to countless children in the community over the years. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Purcell, and enjoyed cooking at the men’s fish fry. Gene cheered on the OU Women’s basketball team each season and always cherished spending time with his nieces, nephews, and church family. Gene was preceded in death by his parents T.E. and Ruth Howard, his wife of 60 years Peggy Howard, his brother Kendall Howard, his brother-in-law Bill Johnson, and nephew Bobby Scivally. He is survived by his nieces and nephews Terry Howard and wife Tammy of Lebanon, MO, Mark Howard and wife Stephanie of Purcell, Kristie Scivally and husband Eric Luton of Oklahoma City, Natalie Wiebener and husband Taylor of Kingston, and Tara Sheid and husband Tommy of Tioga, TX. His sisters-in-law, Norma Bloodworth and husband James of Purcell, Linda Scivally and husband Don of Marietta, Sherry Johnson Schneider and husband Mark of Kingston, and numerous great nieces and nephews. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday August 9, 2024 at Little’s Chapel, Wilson-Little Purcell, with burial to follow at Hillside Cemetery.

Gene Howard

July 26, 1936 - August 3, 2024