Thomas “Tom” Keith Howard Sr., lifelong resident of Ponca City, passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2023. He was 65.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Community Christian Church, 2109 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.Those unable to attend the Funeral Ceremony, may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website, www. troutfuneralhome.com and click on the live-stream or toolbar icon on the top right corner after 1:45 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601. J.D. Ward, long-time friend and fellow pastor, will be officiating.

Tom was born May 22, 1958, to Leland and Leatha (Allen) Howard in Ponca City, OK. He graduated from Ponca City Schools in 1976, and shortly after married the love of his life, Dorleen Miller on November 19, 1976, in Blackwell. To this union, they had two children, Keith and Missy.

He started working at ACME foundry in Blackwell, OK. He also worked in the oil field in Blackwell before answering his calling to serve the Lord. Then began working as a youth pastor at First United Methodist Church in Blackwell and later moved to Ponca City to continue working as a youth pastor/associate pastor at First United Methodist Church of Ponca City. Working there, he touched many lives. After his time with the church, he began serving as a Chaplain for Hospice of North Central Oklahoma. He spent the last years of his life serving as the Pastor of Community Christian Church of Ponca City.

He had a passion for spreading God’s word and love. In his free-time he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, and reclining in his chair while watching British crime shows. He really enjoyed supporting his grandchildren with every sporting and life event.

He is preceded in death by his parents Leland and Leatha Howard; sister Sandy Suggs-Carnero; and brothers Lester Goodger and Gordon Goodger.

He is survived by his wife Dorleen Howard of the home; son Keith Howard and wife Paula of Ponca City; daughter Missy Stolhand and husband Randy of Ponca City; and sister Debbie Bible of Iowa; and six grandchildren of Ponca City: Taylor Hall, Libby Clark, Savannah Clark, Aidan Howard, Emma Howard, and Michael Stolhand.

Memorial contributions may be made to Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, 10425 South 82nd East Avenue, Suite 104, Tulsa, OK 74133

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