Earnest "Ernie" Alton Howard

Earnest Alton Howard passed away peacefully on July 1, 2024, to his eternal home at the age of 72. Ernie was born on September 16, 1951, in Bunkie, Louisiana to William Jessie and Georgia Howard, both deceased. He is also predeceased by a sister, Annette, and brothers, James, Eugene, and Tommy. He was married to Neva Harrison Howard for 49 years. Ernie will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Ernie was a member of the Baptist faith for many years. He served as pastor for churches throughout Texas. He was also a schoolteacher in both private and public schools. During his teaching career, he was highly regarded as a teacher and mentor for students throughout the school. During his time at Genesis Christian School, in addition to his teaching responsibilities, he was honored to preach during many chapel sessions. Ernie was involved in his boys’ sporting activities when they were young, coaching them in baseball and tennis. He also served as Sweetwater Jr. High tennis coach and Sweetwater High School assistant tennis coach. Ernie loved Jesus. That love was reflected in the songs he sang to Him, the prayers he prayed, and in the care he showed to those around him. Ernie loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was a force of nature with the heart of a teddy bear. He would do just about anything to make you laugh and if he succeeded in that, not only would your day be made, but so would his. Ernie had a heart for children, and they were drawn to him like a magnet. He worked hard to make a difference in the life of each child he taught and even those he didn’t teach. He was the teacher everyone wanted to have, and he will forever be in the hearts of his students. Those Ernie left behind to cherish memories include his wife, Neva Howard, his two sons, Ernest Alton Howard, Jr. (& Amy) and Daniel Todd Howard (& Kim), and one granddaughter, Adaline Rose Howard. Survivors also include one brother, William Jessie Howard (& Linda), one sister, Mona Lisa Lawson, brother-in-law David Harrison (& Arlene) and sister-in-law Donna Hanson along with many other relatives and a host of friends. Family and friends will celebrate the life of Ernie on August 3, 2024, at Deer Park First Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration Service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Deer Park First Baptist Church Facilities Renovation Fund, 438 East 8th Street, Deer Park, Texas, 77536 or online at deerparkfirst.org. Please visit Ernie's online registration book at www.mcwhorterfh.com to leave a memory for the family.

Earnest "Ernie" Alton Howard

September 16, 1951 - July 1, 2024