Milton Ray Howe

Milton Ray Howe, 91 of Abilene went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, February 12, at Hendrick Hospice Care of Abilene. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend who will be dearly missed. Visitation will be on Saturday, February 17, at Elmwood West United Methodist Church, 1302 So. Pioneer Drive, at 1:00PM followed by the funeral service at 2:00PM with Rev. Norman Patton and Rev. Dare Stevens officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Ray was born in Dudley, Texas to Willie Lee and Hattie Augusta Howe on November 7, 1926. He attended school in Eula, Texas and graduated from Eula High School. He married Frances Maxine Garlitz on September 14, 1951 in Abilene. Ray worked for 40 years as a banker at Citizens National Bank/ Interfirst Bank / First Republic Bank working his way up from teller to president/CEO. He later worked as president/CEO of United Bank and Trust for 10 years. He was a veteran of World War ll and served in the Army. He served on the board of Fairmont United Methodist Church / Southwest Drive United Methodist Church, Abilene Girls Home, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Abilene, Salvation Army, United Way of Abilene, and the YMCA. He was a member of Elmwood West United Methodist Church. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Austin, Alvis, Dean, and T.H.; and three sisters, Mary, Marie, and Ruth. He is survived by his wife, Frances of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda and Ken Foster of Sweetwater, Texas, Linda and Phil Colwell of Abilene, Texas; brother- in- law, M.E. Randolph of Abilene; three grandchildren, Misty (Richie) Griffin of Carrizo Springs, Texas, Jody (Lisa) Jenkins of Lubbock, Texas, and Candace (Jerad) Alford of Roscoe, Texas; and four great grandchildren, Garrison, Mason, Jack, and Kennedy. Pallbearers are Herman Garlitz, Larry Howe, Dewayne Jenkins, Gregory Peck, Jim Richmond, and Mac Sipe. Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Burrow and Don Ballard. Memorials may be given to Elmwood West United Methodist Church, Salvation Army, or charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Sylvia Emerson, his caregiver; Encompass therapists and nurses; and Hendrick Hospice Care for their loving care at the close of his life.