Author: Howe Enterprise

Robert Leon Williams -dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend -passed away on January 27, 2023 at the age of 83.

Leon was born to Emma and Joe Williams on December 30, 1939 in Lamasco, Texas. He graduated from Sherman High School in 1958, where he played the trumpet in the Bearcat Band and was the first baseman on the baseball team. During high school, he met his wife to be, Linda Lair at Fairview Baptist Church, where they later married on June 7, 1958.

Leon attended Texas Tech University, where his Dad recruited him to come back to Sherman and join the family construction business, Williams and Williams, later to become Joe Williams and Sons, Inc. Many of the roadways throughout Sherman and Denison were constructed by the firm, along with performing site construction for many of the manufacturing plants, including the original Texas Instruments plant. They also constructed lakes and soil conservation dams throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Leon loved construction and amazingly worked full time for over 60 years, retiring at the age of 80.

Leon was very active in his Church, serving as an ordained Deacon in Fairview Baptist, Trinity Baptist, and First Baptist Howe. He loved teaching Junior High Boys in Bible Study, singing in the choir, and served on many committees in the Church. Leon was a faithful Christian servant leader who dedicated his life to the Church.

Leon was honored for 50 years of service as a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason this last November. Leon also served on the School Board of Howe Independent School District. He served on the Sherman Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce and various civic organizations throughout his career. Leon believed in serving and giving back!

Leon and his devoted wife, Linda were married for a wonderful 64 years-blessed with 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. Leon loved his family very much and so enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His humor and wit added so much fun to every gathering! Leon will be greatly missed!

Leon is survived by his wife, Linda Williams, son Jeff Williams and wife Karen of Arlington, daughter Daphne Williams Shadic and husband Jackie of Sherman, son Guy Williams and wife Kristy of Clover, South Carolina, son Mark Williams and wife Brittany of Denison; his sister, Leta Key and husband Charles of Azle; brother in-law, Jerome Lair and wife Jeannie of Lufkin; 9 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Joe Williams, his brother Tom Ray Williams and many other loving relatives.

Pall bearers will be his grandsons, Jered Cunningham, Ryan Williams, Carson Williams, Rick O’Pry, Stephen Pollitte, Brandon Taylor, Terry Syler, and Justin Berthiaume. Honorary Pall Bearers are longtime friends Jack Norman, Alton Norman and David Bedgood.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Service at First Baptist Church, 400 S. Travis Street, Sherman, Texas 75090, with visitation from 1 to 2pm and the service at 2 pm, Sunday, February 5, 2023. Burial service will follow at the Lamasco, Texas cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Sherman and Home Hospice of Grayson County.

John Kelly Richardson, 86 year old Howe resident, went home to be with his Lord and Savior surrounded by family on January 28, 2023.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Howe.

John was born on November 18, 1936, in Van Alstyne, Texas. He was the son of Charlie and Mae Richardson.  He attended Van Alstyne schools.

At 17 years of age, he started working as a mechanic for Eb Hix.  Over the years he has worked for Albert Gentry, a moving company at Perrin Field in Denison, Montgomery Ward in Sherman, Tedford Chevrolet in Farmersville, Ownby’s Garage in Sherman, and Price Hanning’s Garage in Howe.  Eventually opening his own business, John’s Garage in Howe.  His last job before retirement was with Remcor in Howe.

John married Melba Young in June of 1957.  They had two children, Kelly and Julie.  He was widowed in 1964.  He married Georgia Peterman Adkins on February 11, 1967.  They have spent almost 56 years loving one another.  Together they raised five children: Danny Adkins, Kelly Richardson, Delanna Adkins, Julie Richardson, and Marcy Richardson.

The last several years he enjoyed working on old cars and trucks, playing his guitar, listening to and singing country music.  He loved watching his grandkids and great grandkids play sports.  If there was an occasion for dancing, you would find him on the dance floor.  He looked forward to every Saturday and the fellowship spent with Bruce, his son-in-law, and several friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Mae Richardson, sister Charlene Vawter, his first wife Melba Richardson, and son Danny Adkins.

John is survived by his wife Georgia Richardson, his children Kelly Richardson (Brenda) of Virginia, Delanna Mitchell (Mike) of Van Alstyne, Julie Stevens (Bruce) of Howe, and Marcy Ross (Brian) of Howe.

Grandchildren Evan Richardson, Stacy Richardson, Logan Richardson, Tosha Searls, Brittney Mitchell, Lindsay Jones, Easton Ross, Brennan Ross, Ashlyn Grisham and thirteen great grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Howe on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Mark Anthony McGraw of Columbus, Ohio passed away peacefully at Kobacker House on December 24, 2022. He was 63 years old. He is survived by his wife Michelle McGraw, son Thomas McGraw, daughter-in-law Victoria McGraw-Rowe, as well as his beloved granddaughter Edith McGraw. He is additionally remembered by his mother Alice McGraw as well as siblings Pamela McGraw, Patricia Kay Sharkey, Karen Langford, Lorianna McGraw, and Michael McGraw, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his father Garnet McGraw and nephew Thor Rolbeicki.

Mark was born in Sherman, Texas where he lived most of his life. He married the love of his life Michelle Heath on August 17th, 1991. Mark’s great passion was in being a “Granddad” for his granddaughter, always willing to get on the floor to play with her. He was also devoted to his family and enjoyed gathering together and sharing stories. He enjoyed raising horses, particularly miniature horses that he loved to share as a source of delight, and collecting all sorts of Western memorabilia. In his early life, he was deeply involved in the Sherman Jaycees organization where he loved planning annual haunted houses. Mark was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Howe, TX where he will be missed by many friends. Mark was always willing to give an enduring hug and displayed his love through exceptional presence and care for the needs of those around him.

Services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Howe, TX on Saturday, February 4 at 10 am. Internment to follow at Gunter Cemetery. Arrangements by Shaw-Davis Funeral Home of Columbus, OH and Dannel Funeral Home of Sherman, TX.

Richard Meade ‘Dick’ Smithwick was born October 14, 1935 to Clarence Stultz Smithwick and Roma Routh Campbell Smithwick. He grew up in Richardson with his parents and his grandfather John Meade Campbell and Grandmother Elizabeth Haines Campbell on their farm on Campbell Road. He had an idyllic childhood there. His grandmother adored him and he adored her. He loved playing football in high school and was an All State Center for RHS. He went to Texas A&M College, Class of ’58, on a football scholarship with Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant. He arrived after the Junction incident and after playing two years he wanted to marry and Coach Bryant did not want his players to marry. He also wanted to become a Veterinarian which would take a great deal of study time. He chose Daisie and his DVM. He received his Veterinary Medicine degree in 1961 and came home to Richardson and built his first clinic and later a second clinic in Howe. He had a fabulous Veterinary Assistant that worked for him for 25 years, Chris Parks, whom he greatly appreciated. He loved his work and the animals and people he met for the next 50 odd years over multiple area-counties. After building the Howe practice in 1985 on their farm that Dick had farmed since the 70s in his spare time, he and Daisie moved from Allen, having raised their four children there, to Howe in 1995. It has been a wonderful and peaceful place to live.

Dick met the Lord when he was 12 years old and followed Him all his life. He was a positive influence on many people, especially clients who often became the closest of friends. If you picture an Oak Tree, it stands out—big and strong with deep roots and a very large canopy of leaves. That describes Dick Smithwick. He hugged everybody, and cared about everybody and let them know it. He was security for his family, friends and clients. He showed Christian caring to his clients and their animals that the Lord gave him a special affinity to treat and his clients entrusted to him. He was born to be a Veterinarian. He had fun growing up with lots of cousins who he and Daisie became especially close to and traveled with each year for 20+ years.

Oaks stand head and shoulders above the rest; cherished the world over as a symbol of wisdom, strength, and endurance. As Isaiah 61:3 states, “…they will be called Oaks of righteousness to display God’s Glory…”—for living in a way that pleases God by loving God, others and ourselves. Dick led by example of this. He enjoyed singing in the choir, Harold Finney’s SS class, kibitzing with Sam Haigis, Leon Thornhill and Freddy Vestal and hundreds more, and a ‘few’ of Brother Roger’s sermons and just a ‘little’ of his humor. Dick was a big sports fan, loving Texas Aggie football especially. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying packing and hunting and fly-fishing trips with good friends many times through the years. As a young father, he also enjoyed Cowboy or Western polo on his big gelding– Big Blue.

Things have not been the same since July 17, 2017 when Dick collapsed and had to have open heart surgery. He has always been his same sweet, fun-loving self, but these last few months have been more difficult. His daughters Lynn and Christy nearby have been a great loving support and Libby by phone and computer at a distance. The care, support and affection by Reliant Hospice, Dr. Saeed, and especially Misty, Dusty and Crystal have been most supportive and we are most grateful. Visiting Angels and 7 Sisters sent Angels that were unbelievably helpful and caring—without whom life would have been much harder. Through it all, he remained an Oak, true and loving, sweet and caring, always charming us all through it, giving us Joy! He has always been a blessing. Special friends and Angels loved on us and supported us throughout. We thank White Rock Stables and the Oddson family for their huge support five years ago as well as ongoing. The continued love and support from WRS Manager, Amelita. Glynn Williams and John Visage who were daily visitors 5 years ago and still. Glynn for sharing all the old Colorado packing and hunting trip stories, and countless Blizzards each Sunday with Dick! Susan, Theresa, Cindy, Jean and Alton, Becky, Carin, Wayne Westbrook, and so many more for your love, visits, food, and more. Terry & Phillip Wildman for food and especially guitar and song with your visits. Special visits from family and loved ones have been a special blessing: Jeannette Phariss, special friend of 66+ years, the Planks, Huffhines, Keagy, and Harrison families, and so many more. A special thank you to our son-in-law, Jerry Welch, for providing Dick the joy of staying on the land that he so loved allowing him to be with his animals and the surroundings he had enjoyed all of his life. Dick was the epitome of love to his family, friends, clients and anyone in need, Always ready with a massive hug, firm handshake and tender words from such a Gentle Giant. He was always ready with a quick story as he had a marvelous sense of humor and wit.

Dick’s children were his pride and joy. They have all been a wonderful help always with so much love shown; Lynn and Christy having dealt closely with his most recent medical needs. His six grandchildren have added extra pleasure to his life. Mitch, Jake, Samantha, Cody, Seth and Jorie. His one great grandchild, Derek, has been a constant source of something new to always learn about. A great pleasure and benefit in our lives was the Bible Study Group started by Bonnie and Bill Smith. The study was always rich, and accompanied with the traditional Baptist monthly dinner and dessert in one of our homes. Dot and Jim Huckaby, Freddy and Judy Vestal, Carolyn Cavender, Jean and Alton Norman were a friendly bunch with great bible knowledge. The most precious thing he had in this life was his wife Daisie, who he loved deeply for over 66 years. She was his soulmate and rock. Together they built an amazing life for one another, their kids, and grandkids, with so many truly amazing friends sprinkled in throughout their many trips, adventures, and living life to the very fullest. Our church family has been a constant source of support in prayer for us. We appreciate the care and personal attention by Casey Scoggins. Prayers from so many friends and loved ones have sustained us. We will miss our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin and friend who seemed to walk on water, but so very thankful to know he is with the One true One that walked on water, Jesus Christ. A mighty Oak has fallen but will not soon be forgotten.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents Stultz and Roma Smithwick and his beloved son, Mitchell Meade Smithwick. He is survived by his wife Daisie; daughters Libby, Lynn, and Christy; their spouses Jo, Jerry, and Scott; grandchildren Mitch and son Derek, Jake, Samantha, Cody, Seth and Jorie; many loving cousins, friends, and clients that were like family.

Memorial Services will be held on February 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Howe. in lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Hall Cemetery Association, FBC Howe, or a charity or ministry close to your heart.

Carrie Ellen McLain Waller passed away on January 14, 2023, at the Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas. She was born in the Elmont community on March 3, 1932, the daughter of G. Cary Dine McLain and Amy Ellen Russell McLain. She graduated from Van Alstyne High School in 1949, having served as basketball captain, head cheerleader, softball pitcher, and class favorite. She married J. C. Waller, Jr., on October 2, 1970, at the First Christian Church in Van Alstyne. She worked at the Howe State Bank in Howe and the Texas Star Bank in Van Alstyne.

Carrie was always involved in local community work. She was a longtime member of the Howe Methodist Church, acting for a time as church treasurer and Sunday school teacher. She was also very much involved with the United Methodist Women, serving as president, secretary, reporter, and in recent years as a member of the Wednesday Workers. She was Howe’s first City Councilwoman, for eleven years, Mayor pro-tem for nine years, and acting Mayor for three months. She designed Howe’s first official flag and Howe’s Centennial Seal, and she authored the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the Grayson County flag. She was instrumental in organizing the Howe ISD Band Booster Club, the Howe ISD Athletic Booster Club, the Howe former student’s organization, the Howe Community Library, the Howe Historical Society, the Howe Chamber of Commerce, and the Cannon Cemetery Association, and she served on the boards of all these organizations. She also participated in and served on the boards of the Howe Founders’ Day Parade, the Howe XYZ Senior Citizens Club, the Howe Community Facilities Development Corporation, the Howe Transportation Policy Advisory Committee, the Grayson County MHMR, the Texoma Coalition “Shots across Texas for Kids” campaign, and she served on the boards of the Grayson County Centennial, Bicentennial, Sesquicentennial, and Millennium Committees. She directed the Grayson County Historical Commission and the Grayson County Cancer Society. She was also a member of the Howe Sesame Club, the Howe ISD PTA, the Howe Young Homemakers, the Howe Snap Center’s “Meals on Wheels” program, and the Howe Friends of the Library. She volunteered at the Grayson County Fair and in Wilson N. Jones Hospital’s Auxiliary “Pink Ladies” program. She was a lifelong member of the Loy Lake Livestock Show. She wrote and edited the Howe Centennial Book in 1972 and, together with her husband, she authored the Hall Cemetery Record Book. For her service, she was named Howe’s Citizen of the Year in 1996 and 2002 and received the Howe Chamber of Commerce’s special award for “Showing us Howe” in 2003. She was also named in the 1975-76 edition of the “Who’s Who of American Women.” At the time of her death, she continued to compile information for the Hall Cemetery Association.

Carrie was preceded in death by her husband, J.C. Waller, Jr., her parents, and by three brothers and their wives: Joe Russell McLain and wife Inez, baby Amos Dine McLain, and John Henry McLain and wife Pinky. She is survived by one son, Joe Henry Elliott, of Montreal, Canada, by a nephew, Carry Dine McLain and his wife Lauren, of Arlington, Texas, by a great nephew, a great niece, and two great grandnephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carrie’s honor to the Grayson County Crisis Center (4200 N. Travis St., Sherman, TX 75092; graysoncrisiscenter.org) or the Hall Cemetery Association (P.O. Box 664, Howe, Texas 75459).

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Howe on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.

Surrounded by family in her home in Howe, Texas, Judy Elaine Milton passed away at age 73 on Friday, January 13th 2023. 

A Remembrance Gathering will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Howe, Texas on Monday, January 16, 2PM, with a family visitation beginning at 1:30PM.

A Howe native, Judy was born to Bob and Eunice Cooper on August 24, 1949. Her “green thumb” was known to many in the community as Gardenland Nursery, and Go Gardenland in Sherman, Texas that she and her husband Gary owned. They worked side by side many years. She was often found in her flowerbeds or enjoying the view of her garden from her window. Artistically and musically talented, Judy joyfully played the organ at the First Howe United Methodist Church for over 20 years for the service and the children’s choir. She was a member of Legacy Church.

Judy shared her gifts with those around her and was the heart of her family. She was known for joining family together for gatherings in her “Summer House” sharing her warmth, joy and faith. Judy was preceded in death by her parents Bob and Eunice Cooper, and brother-in-law Gary Ingram. 

Survivors include her husband Gary Milton, two sons Shane Cavender (Paula) Matt Cavender (Sandra) stepson Tyler Milton (Kristen), and stepdaughter Amme Cissell (Cole), five grandchildren Shay Norfleet (Matt), Maddi Bramer, (Brandon), Levi Cavender, Holly Cavender, and step grandchildren Maude, James and Hannah. three great-grandchildren, two sisters Gay Ingram and Theresa Holland (George) and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Home Hospice of Grayson County.

Online Condolences may be made at www.waldofuneralhome.com .