Mr. Billy Van Howard

Stephenville, Texas – Billy Howard, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, went to be with the Lord for eternity on Monday, March 8th. He grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas, the oldest of 10 children. After marrying Patsy Mize at age 17, they moved and raised their family in Richland Hills. They attended Richland Hills Baptist Church for many years where he was a Sunday School teacher and deacon. Billy was a grain broker and feed ingredient merchandiser for more than 50 years. Most of his career was spent at Schmitt & Kern, Inc of Ft. Worth, Texas, where he advanced to become president of the company. He was a founding member of the Cottonseed & Feed Association in 1979, and later served as president. Even in retirement he brokered for the W.H. Nigh Co., as he loved interacting with people in the business. His honesty and integrity was respected by everyone that knew him. Billy never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He was preceded in death by Patsy, his wife of 65 years, in 2016. He then moved to Stephenville to be close to Debby. He enjoyed stamp collecting, dominoes, watching baseball and being with family.

Those left to cherish his memory include Kathy McDermott and husband Buzz of Coppell, TX daughter Debby Harris and husband Dale of Stephenville, TX, grandchildren Brandon McDermott and wife Crystal of Bedford, TX, Patrick McDermott and wife Stephanie of Dallas, TX, Melissa Kinzer and husband Robin of Rowlett, TX, Adam Harris and wife Rebecca of Sandy, UT and Austin Harris of Stephenville, TX and great grandchildren Liam, Aedan, Zoe, Ginny, Lori and Kaysen. He is also survived by 7 sisters and brother and many others including 2 brothers-in-law, 1 sister-in-law, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00pm, Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.

A catered reception will follow immediately at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home.

If you wish to send floral condolences in honor of Mr. Billy Van Howard, you may call Lilium Floral Design at 817-589-1566 or http://www.liliumflorals.com