09 – 28 – 1939 – 02 / 11 / 2011
Morris Wayne Howland went to meet the Lord at 2 p.m. Feb. 11, 2011. He passed away at his home in Montalba, Texas.He was born Sept. 28, 1939 to Ernest W. and Mamie Howland in Clarksville, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Earnest Dee Howland; and sister, Mary Moss.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Peggy O’Neal Howland; son, Steven Wayne Howland; daughter, Candace Renee Ficken; five grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and sister, Jean Carter. He also is survived by his brother and sister-in-law of 50 years, Teddy and Evangeline O’Neal. He has been blessed with five wonderful nieces and five loving nephews. He was adored by many great nieces and nephews. Morris had many friends, however, he was blessed for 40 years with a special lifelong friendship with David “Hobby” Till and his sons, Mike and Billy.Morris graduated from Palestine High School in 1959 and received his Associate of Arts degree from Trinity Valley Community College. He served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965. His life’s work was with Glass Containers and after its closing he worked for the Texas Animal Health Commission, retiring in 2002.
Morris was a longtime member of Westwood Baptist Church. One of Morris’ greatest pleasure was his trip to Holy Land and being baptized in the river Jordan. If you were talking to his family and friends, they would tell you that he possessed a wonderful loving spirit, always putting others above himself. He will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew him.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 at Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home. His service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, 2011 at Westwood Baptist Church with the Rev. Rick Dees officiating. Burial will follow at Land of Memory.
Pallbearers will be Allen O’Neal, Timmy O’Neal, Charles Taz O’Neal Jr., Justin Howland, Loyd Landers, Rusty Moser, Hobby Till and James Landers.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of his Sunday School class.