John E. Howard, age 92, a longtime Bentley, OK resident, born in Bentley, lived several years in Oregon, lived in Bentley the last 59 years, was born on Sunday, December 16, 1928, to J.E. and Martha Idalia (Rogers) Howard, at Bentley. John passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Denison, TX. He attended Bentley Public School. John played minor league baseball and basketball. He played basketball against the Harlem Globe Trotters. John worked a number of years in lumber mills in Oregon. He was a Baptist Minister for the past 55 years. He pastored many churches and helped build several churches. John preached his last service on February 23, 2020 at Lane Baptist Church. Brother John always said, "God hired me and God will have to fire me". He married Barbara Leona (Shaw) on Saturday, July 29th, 1950 in Oregon. They celebrated 70 years of marriage before his passing. John was a lifelong baptist. He was a minister over 55 years, had Sunday morning services on the radio station over 50 years. John was an avid hog trapper, loved doing ranch work and working with cattle and horses. He preached hundreds of funerals and officiated about that many weddings.
John is survived by his wife, Barbara Leona Howard of the home in Bentley, OK; children, Drucilla Thurman and husband Clinton of Bentley, OK, Gloria Sheffield and husband Larry of Lane, OK, Robin Roller of Bentley, OK; grandchildren, LaDonna Forester and husband Charles of Lane, OK, Phillip Thurman and wife Emily of Bentley, OK, Misty Pingleton of Atoka, OK, Tara Sandmann and husband Johnny of Cottonwood, OK, Laura Kisby and husband Jay of Amarillo, TX, Jessica Hunt and husband Zack of Lane, OK, Tawana Stockton of Bentley, OK, Nicholas Roller of Bentley, OK; 19 great grandchildren; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear and loved friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, J. E. and Martha Idalia (Rogers) Howard; daughter, Linda Mae Howard; brothers, Ernest, Joe, Robert, Elder Lee, James Howard; sister, Katy Thomas; great granddaughter, Kaci McGee; son in law, Steve Roller.
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DATE OF SERVICES: 02:00 PM Friday, January 15th, 2021
PLACE OF SERVICES: Lane Baptist Church, Lane, Oklahoma
OFFICIATING: Rev. Tom Howard and Bro. J.D. Steelman
INTERMENT: Bentley Cemetery, Bentley, Oklahoma
CASKETBEARERS: Doyle Sheffield, Phillip Thurman, Zack Hunt, Keith Pingleton, Don Deaton, Larry Rains
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Harry Farris, Frankie Hunt, Bill Miller, Cecil Lewis, Junior Henry, B.J. Craig, Wayne Fowler, Charles Don Roberson, James Howard
CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE
FAMILY NIGHT IS THURSDAY 6-8PM

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK