The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal 04/10/2004

Homer Lee Howard Holding His Daughter, Freda

LITTLEFIELD - Service for Homer Howard, age 84, of Littlefield will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at the Hemphill Chapel of First Baptist Church in Littlefield with Rev. Joe Stewart, pastor, officiating and Larry Howard assisting. Burial will be in Littlefield Memorial Park under the direction of Hammons Funeral Home of Littlefield.

Mr. Howard passed away at 4:10 p.m. Thursday, April 8, 2004, at Littlefield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on Feb. 17, 1920, in Lipan, Hood County, Texas, to Robert and Emma Howard. He married Juanita Mae Key in Clovis, N.M., on Nov. 22, 1940. He served in the U.S. Navy in WWII in the Pacific Theater. A member of the American Legion and VFW, he served as Adjutant/Secretary of the American Legion for over 20 years.

He was a barber in Littlefield for over 50 years. He enjoyed traveling. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Littlefield, where he was an usher for over 30 years. Survivors include his wife, Juanita Howard of Littlefield; two sons, Robert Lee (Butch) Howard of Kyle, and Larry Allen Howard of Lubbock; a daughter, Freda Mae Glover of Sugarland; a brother, James R. Howard of Lipan; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to Littlefield EMS or a favorite charity. Casketbearers will be John Howard, Steve Howard, Drew Howard, Brandon Howard, Mark Stephens and Jason Butler. Honorary bearers are the Adult 4 Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church.

EXTRACT FROM

EULOGY OF HOMER LEE HOWARD

Given by Larry Howard, his Son, at his father’s funeral

Homer Lee Howard

Born February 17, 1920

Died April 8, 2004

Homer Lee Howard was born in a sandy watermelon patch near the town of Lipan, Texas. The oldest of four sons of Robert Terry and Emma Mae Howard.

The actual closest community at the time was Gnatty Flatt, which to my knowledge only had a schoolhouse and a church. Grades 1 through 6 were taught in a tiny 2 story red brick building. Homer attended partially through the sixth. Yes, you could say Homer was uneducated. Uneducated in book learning for sure. Uneducated in reading and writing skills. Uneducated in the fast paced changes of technology throughout his life. But. Educated in so many more ways. Life skills ways. Educated in being honest; and if he told you he would do something you knew he would do it. He was the most honest person I have ever known. Educated in being humble; never being boisterous or loud or taking credit for something.

Christ set one of the first examples of how humility should be one of our greatest attributes and Homer lived that example.

Homer joined the Navy and served during World War II on the LSM176 in the Pacific theatre. The brick his children bought him in his honor at the Lubbock WWII memorial is on the cover of this year’s Fiest Directory. His daughter at the time was not quite three and his wife was pregnant with his first son.

He volunteered to cut hair on the ship as he had experience cutting his three younger brothers’ hair growing up. This simple act of raising his hand when asked, turned into his life-long pursuit. When he mustered out of the Navy he went to Barber School, got his license, and started his career. In 1948 he set up shop with Jess Inman in Littlefield, Texas.

He soon bought a new house on 12th Street and for the next 50+ years cut hair. Just think, some of you in this audience, he cut your hair your entire life.

As a matter of fact he probably gave more boys’ first haircuts than any other barber did anywhere. He was so good with little kids. I recall when we had to close the barber shop, as he just couldn't do it anymore, when one of you drove up as Freda and I locked the door and asked where Homer was. We said he wouldn't return and you said: "Man, it's going to be hard to get a haircut in this town. Homer's good people!" I never felt prouder.

The barber shop was almost never empty. Even when he didn't have someone to cut there would be one or two sitting around discussing how to solve the world problems and the weather. This is where we first met Ol' Ding Pod - in those chairs at the barber shop.

Yes, some or most of you might not even know your own name. We would ask who came in today and he would reply: "Oh, you know...Ol' Ding Pod." Or we'd ask, "Who used to live here?" and the same "Oh you know. Ol' Ding Pod."

Now you might say there's nothing wrong with being called 'Ol' Ding Pod' by someone who just couldn't think of your name, and I never thought too much about that until the other day in the hospital when I was draining his catheter and he said, "Careful, you're pulling on Ol' Ding Pod."

Occasionally you hear of someone who had his name changed. Lots of actors have and a few others. Homer had his name changed in 1962. No, not legally or officially in any way, but when his first grandson Ken Glover was born. From that day on he was called "Granddad." I might add that this name change like so many other things (remember I told you earlier about humility) in his life was done for him with no choice of his own. This time by his daughter Freda.

Soon he had three more grandchildren: Terrie, Kevin, and Kyle. It would be many more years later that Sara and Amanda came for a total of six. He now also has 5 great grandchildren. All eleven of which knew him only as Granddad. I don't think any of them would even know who Homer is.

2004 HOOD COUNTY TEXAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY