Gerald Lee Howard, 76, of Marshall, Texas, passed away after a long battle with kidney cancer.  Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. at Summit Methodist Church in Marshall with Pastor Darryl Roberts officiating.  Visitation will be on Saturday, November 4, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Downs Funeral Home.

Gerald was born on June 6, 1947, in Marshall, Texas to Thelma Alice Hair and Horden "Bo" Abner Howard.  He was the only son in a family of four children, which included Diana Patricia, Anita Lynn, and Paula Susan.  When asked about his childhood, he admitted he grew up in a wonderful Christian home with loving parents and the sweetest sisters. His family, including his grandparents and great-grandparents, were active members of Summit Methodist Church. At the age of 10, Gerald publicly confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the end of confirmation classes.  As an adult, during a difficult time in his life, Gerald had an encounter with the Living Lord Jesus and received the assurance of his salvation.

Gerald graduated from Marshall High School in 1965, and later attended Kilgore Junior College.  He married Linda Joyce Vernon at Summit Methodist Church parsonage in 1967, and they had two children, Jerri Ann and Stephen Lee. Gerald was employed at Southwestern Bell Telephone, later to become AT&T, for 43 years. God blessed him with an independent "can do" attitude which served him well throughout his life. Gerald enjoyed wood working, restoring his 1982 Chevy truck, hunting, vacationing, and investing.

He was preceded in death by parents Bo and Thelma Howard and sister Diana Power. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Linda; daughter Jerri Scott and husband Steve of Longview; son Stephen Howard and wife Becky of The Colony; sisters Anita Jenkins of Bossier City, LA, and Paula Metcalf and husband Bobby of Marshall; brother-in-law William Power of Marshall; grandchildren Jessica Robinson and husband Chris of The Colony, Nathan Carroll of The Colony, Lindsay Shaw and husband Micah of Lawton, OK, Allison Wright and husband Travis of Salt Lake City, UT, Matthew Howard and Joshua Howard of The Colony, and Gracie Scott of Longview; and great-grandchildren Christian, Collin and Emilia Shaw of Lawton, OK.  He also left behind numerous family members and friends. Gerald was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be dearly missed but not forgotten.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in his honor to Summit Methodist Church.