Obituary for Buddy Howard of Pocola

Obituary for Buddy Howard of Pocola

Funeral service for Buddy Howard, 83, of Pocola is 10 a.m. Thursday at Victory Worship Center in Spiro, with Revered Jimmy Waldrop and Reverend Bryan Fouts officiating.

Burial will follow at the Macedonia Cemetery in Pocola, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro.

Buddy Howard was born Sept. 28, 1940 in Pocola to Hazel Mae (Jones) Howard and Fielder Spencer Howard and passed away May 26, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

He married Patricia Howard Jan. 28, 1961 in Pocola. Buddy was a home builder for 43 years and was a big influence in Pocola Little League baseball and also refereed basketball games for over 40 years.

He worked for Mallory-Martin Funeral Home for 30 years, was a city inspector for 20 years, and served as deacon of the Christian Grove Free Will Baptist Church for 32 years. Buddy loved to watch his kids and grandkids play sports and team rope but above all he was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather…..He was a true family man!

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Trish Howard; daughter Kristie West and husband Jeff; son Bryan Howard and wife Carla; grandchildren Cole Howard and fiancé’ Samone, Tyler Howard and wife Tasha, Chase West and wife Chelsea; great grandchildren Aiden, Maddox, and Hudson Howard, Aziyah Logan and Paisley West; sister, Patsy Sebo; brothers Jimmy John Howard and wife Linda, Larry Dean Howard and wife Billie Ann, Floyd Howard and wife Mary, Charlie Howard and wife Carol, James Howard and wife Donna, Ricky Howard and wife Barbara; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, loved ones and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tracey Lynn; sister, Susie Humphreyville; brother, Billy Howard; and brother-in-law, Charles Sebo.

Pallbearers are Cole Howard, Tyler Howard, Chase West, Aiden Howard, Maddox Howard, Trevor Howard, and Hudson Howard. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy John Howard, Larry Dean Howard, Floyd Howard, Charlie Howard, James Howard, Ricky Howard, Fuzz Howard, Danny Howard, Wesley Riggs and Brad Cagle.

Viewing and visitation is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday with the family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

You may leave an online message at www.mallorymartinfuneralhomespiro.com.