Howard Gene Sterling

Howard Gene Sterling passed away early morning Monday, September 6th, 2021. Gravesite service, under direction of Bell Cypert-Seale Funeral Home, will be held Thursday, September 9th at 10:00 a.m. at Hillside Memorial Gardens. Mr. Tyler Neal will officiate.

Howard was born in Ira, Texas on May 28th, 1927 to Pearl and T.J. Sterling. He graduated from Ira Independent School District in 1945. He loved playing baseball, basketball, and riding his horses. Being boy number 4, he grew up learning from his older brothers doing all kinds of farm chores. He was the first blond haired child with slightly curly hair, which he detested. He would comb his hair, pressing down with the free hand, trying to straighten it. Howard married his soul-mate, Billie Jo Kennedy September 8th, 1948, in Knapp, Texas. They were married for 70 wonderful years.

Howard proudly served in the United States Army, during World War II, in the 24th Infantry Division. He was president of the Ira School Board for many years. Howard also served on the Western Texas College Board of Trustees and later, on the Scholarship Committee. He was also active in the West Texas Rehab Association and a member of First United Methodist Church. A big part of Howard’s life was spent farming and ranching. He loved it. He was an avid bridge and domino player, loved tennis and golf, and was the smoothest dancer around.

Howard is preceded in death by his wife, Jo; son, Donald Howard; parents, Pearl and T.J. Sterling; son-in-law, Merle Blosser; great-grandson, Holden Erwin and 4 brothers, J.M., Buford, Curtis, and Tommy Jr.

Howard, otherwise known as “Grandad”, is survived by 2 daughters Connie (Doug) and Leigh Ann (Randy); 5 grandchildren Shea, Heath, Brooke (Tyler), John (Carrie), and Chet; 12 great-grandchildren J.R. (Alex), Scout, Tye, Cutter, Caul, Shelbi, Emerson, Griffin, Grey, Sawyer, Rose, and Collins; and a great-great-grandson, Luke. Also survived by brother, Mickey Sterling and sister, Doris Spikes.

Online condolences may be posted at bellcypertseale.com. Donations to Western Texas College Foundation would be appreciated.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses of Cogdell Hospice and Goodlife Senior Care Center.