Randy Earl Howard

Randy Earl Howard (Papa), 64, of Perryton, gained his wings on Thursday , June 30, 2022.

He was born on Oct. 25, 1957, in Beaver, OK to Bobby & Peggie (Travis) Howard. He was the youngest child and only son, with two older sisters, Janet and Kay. He grew up in Logan, OK, just three miles east of Capitol Hill and attended Garrett School until his seventh grade year when they moved to Darrouzett. He attended high school all four years at Darrouzett ISD and loved playing sports. He was active in football, baseball, basketball and FFA.

He married Shirley Lehnhoff, of El Centro, CA, on June 5, 1982, in Darrouzett and they were fortunate enough to celebrate 40 years together! This union blessed them with three children: Aaron Michelle, Cali Marie, and Ryan Michael.

Randy worked for various companies in the oil and gas industry before beginning his 41-year long career with Northern Natural Gas. He started in their Beaver Compressor Station in 1981 on the mechanic gang, and later became an Operations Manager working in Liberal, KS, Sunray, Spearman, and eventually went full circle returning to the Beaver Plant in January of 2020.

He loved to hunt, fish, and watch his grandkids play sports! We have no doubt he’s scoped out his favorite heavenly fishing hole and has two lines in the water! Randy enjoyed a simple life. As long as he had a western on television, a clean pickup, a creek to fish in, or a seat on the sideline at a grandkid’s game, he was a happy man.

From taking a fish off their line, to helping them shoot a dove, he wanted the grandkids to enjoy it as much as he did. As soon as a game was over, he was the first there for a hug, fist bump, and some constructive criticism. He will be remembered for his kind heart, gentle spirit, love of GOD, sternness yet fairness, and joke telling skills! He never forgot a good joke!

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of the home; three children, Aaron Schilling and husband Hunter, of Perryton, Cali Taylor and husband Jordan, of Forgan, OK and Ryan Howard and wife Melissa, of Grapevine; sister Janet Giles and husband Steve, of Pampa; nephews Cole Giles and wife Jessica, of Pampa and Chadd Giles and wife Lori, of Pampa; eight grandchildren: Cooper, Payton, Kyson, Kapp, Krayton, Parker, Jack, and Emerson.

He will also be missed by a great group of hog hunting buddies, lifelong childhood friends, and countless other family members who loved sharing life with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby & Peggie (Travis) Howard of Pampa, and his sister Leanna Kay Howard of Midland.

His celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at 10 a.m. at the Darrouzett High School Auditorium. Immediately following the service, family and friends are all invited to The Last Buffalo in Darrouzett to share some of your most memorable stories of a life we will all miss dearly. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Perryton.

Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Team Tatum Foundation, 17 Tiffany Lane, Canyon, TX, 79015, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.