John Lee Howard, age 74, of Mount Vernon, Texas, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at his residence with his wife, LaNell, by his side.
John was born on September 21, 1951, to Lyle Richard and Gladys Marie (Durand) Howard in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, the youngest of four children.
John joined the United States Army as a Medical Specialist.
He married LaNell Adams on December 14, 1990, in Boise, Idaho.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
John is survived by his wife of 35 years, LaNell Howard; his sons, Wesley Gary, Derek (Armenia) Gary; daughter, LayLa (Chris) Heise; step-son, Joshua Brooks; step-daughter, Shannon Linneman; 12 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters; his siblings, Nancy Howard, Mike Howard, Joseph (Jenell Gambino) Howard; brother-in-laws, Max Adams, Tommy Adams, Rodney (Anne) Adams; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
The family wants to give a special thank you to Dr. Nayyar Syed and staff, Dr. Dat Vo and staff, Choice Hospice, Rhonda Allen, VA Cancer Care, Minters Family, Britney Turner, Purple Hearth Home Health, LaNell’s brother, Rodney Adams and John’s brother, Joe Howard.
There will be a gathering for family and friends at a later date.
John will be interred at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, Idaho.
Services entrusted to Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at http://www.samharveyfuneralhome.com
Special Poem for My John from your wife, LaNell
Never Say Goodbye
There can be no goodbyes for us
It’d be too painful, dear
Our connection still lives on
Although you’re far from here
I miss the times that we once had
But one day, once again
I’ll hold you close and laugh with you
I just wish I knew when
Each moment till that day arrives
Until my time is through
I’ll miss you more than words can say
And always think of you
I’ll look for you among the stars
And each dawn’s pastel sky
And whisper words of love to you
But never say goodbye
I will love you forever and ever ALWAYS
Services entrust to Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home.
