Howard Conrad Sumrell, 74 years young, took his last breath on Earth while holding hands with Jerry, his wife of nearly 50 years, and daughter Stacey. Good family friend Mary Etta McGowan was also present in these last precious moments. Howard left a lasting memory on the hearts of everyone he met.
A retired Air Force officer, Howard was born in Greenville, North Carolina, on May 9, 1940. The oldest of three boys, at the tender age of 13, his childhood ended abruptly with the death of his father. Howard took on the responsibility of being the man of the house and looking after the welfare of his younger brothers, ages 9 and 2. He graduated from East Carolina College in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science Degree and went on to earn his Master's Degree in Public Administration from University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1969.
A wonderful husband, father, "Paw Paw," and friend to many, he is survived by wife, Jerry; daughter, Stacey; son-in-law, Bradley Willis; grandsons, Markus and Lukas; brand new granddaughter, Brielle; and brothers, Doug and Gary.
Howard will always be remembered for his love, strength, courage, generosity, words of wisdom and advice, and his sense of humor. After suffering through more than a decade of surgeries and constant pain, he never lost his ability to make others laugh or to invoke their admiration for his courage. Howard will be greatly missed.
Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 11, Trinity United Methodist Church, 633 Hobson Lane, Denton TX 76205. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Howard's name to Our Daily Bread Denton, 300 West Oak, suite 100, Denton, TX 76201; www.ourdailybreaddenton.org .
