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Billy Howton Obituary
07/03/1930 - 08/04/2025
Bill Howton, husband, father, brother and good friend, passed away peacefully Monday, August 4, 2025 in Houston, Texas after a long and lucky life.
Born in Littlefield, Texas, Bill graduated from Plainview High School in 1948 and then received a scholarship from Rice University for track and field. When he moved to Houston, Rice also recruited Bill for the football team, and he began a long career in football. Bill was an All-American wide receiver at Rice, is a member of the Rice Hall of Fame, and has his name recognized on the stadium's Ring of Honor.
In 1952 Bill made two big decision – first, he married his college sweetheart, Sandra Bourgoin. And second, he signed a contract with the Green Bay Packers and joined the NFL.
Bill set numerous receiving records with the Packers, some of which still stand today, and he scored the first Packer touchdown ever at Lambeau Field. He was a Pro Bowler, and in 1973 he was inducted into the Packer Hall of Fame.
After seven years in Green Bay, Bill was traded in 1959 to the Cleveland Browns, and then in 1960, upon Bill's request to return to Texas, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, the newest expansion team in the league. He played the rest of his football career in Dallas, playing for Coach Tom Landry with quarterbacks Eddie LeBaron and Don Meredith.
Bill was also a founder and the first President of the NFL Players' Association.
Years after Bill retired from football, while on a trip to Europe, he met Carmen Fanlo, a Spanish lady from Madrid. In 1989 he moved to Madrid to be with her, and he stayed with her there for the rest of her life. After her passing in 2019 he moved back to Houston, Texas.
Bill is survived by his sister, Sylvia Baker, and by Sylvia's daughter Linda and son-in-law Fletcher. He is also survived by his three children – Karin and her daughter Katie; Kimberly and her husband Chris; and William and his wife Rita and step-daughter Gabriella. Bill was predeceased by his brother, Jack Howton, but is survived by Jack's sons, Steven, Scott and Marc.
The family will have a small private ceremony to honor Bill. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at The Village of River Oaks for their warmth, care and comfort to Bill in his last few years.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Howton
Sponsored by Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services - Houston.
13 Entries
Raul Jimenez
August 22, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you in Memory Care.
*photo was taken in August 24, 2023
J Peters
August 21, 2025
A truly brilliant receiver, he deserved to be inducted into the Packer Hall of Fame. He will be missed by many.
Jen Kessler
August 19, 2025
To his loving family,
I´m glad that he is at peace and is again in wonderful health. My father was a huge fan of his when he was playing for the Packers. Furthermore, his respect for him doubled when he founded the NFL Players Association and acted as its first president. My father also was blessed to have met him, and he was humble and kind. A true gentleman who will always be remembered with genuine appreciation and respect. Rest in eternal peace, Bill.
JK
August 18, 2025
My dad´s favorite player. Thanks for the memories and all the good times. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered. RIP Billy.
Shelinda Boutte
August 14, 2025
To the family of Mr Bill he was a very good man. we all loved him so much and he will be miss dearly from the village of river oaks care stuff
John Fenter
August 12, 2025
I grew up in New York. As a youngster, I used to watch Pro Football Highlights narrated by Jim Leaming. I recall watching the Packer highlights from the preceding week and invariably Billy Howton was featured in those highlights. He excelled at route running catching balls on the sideline or over the middle. His brilliance was often accomplished on poor Packer teams. Emlen Tunnell, Hall of Famer and former Giant defensive back, considered Billy Howton the " toughest receiver to cover in the NFL." Billy Howton belongs in the Hall of Fame based on his brilliance on field. RIP Mr. Howton!
DE
August 11, 2025
Condolences to Bobby´s family and friends. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Carolyn Howton
August 11, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carolyn Howton
August 11, 2025
Im so sorry to hear about the great Willie Harris Howton's passing. My condolences to you all.
JK
August 10, 2025
My dad´s all time favorite player. My dad was the biggest Packers fan. Brought back so many great memories. Rest in peace Billy, you will be deeply missed by many.
Kimberly Finney Lackey
August 9, 2025
Dear Sylvia, you and the Howton family have my condolences. I hope your good memories of your brothers and Plainview are comforts. You have known me since I was born, and I have only good memories of you. I cherish the words you write in your birthday and Christmas cards each year.
Jo Ann Hedrick
August 8, 2025
This is sad. He was a friend and former Cowboy teammate of my deceased fiancé. Back in the `90´s he and a friend stopped by our house to invite my fiancé to go fishing for the weekend but he couldn´t go due to business. I called him when my guy died and we had a great conversation. He was a good person and will be missed. Jo Ann Hedrick
Jon Borie
August 8, 2025
William, you may not recall, but I once purchased, on eBay, an autographed picture of your dad and Babe Parilli. I already had the exact same photo signed by Babe. I still have it to this day. We corresponded a little about how your dad should have been in the HOF. He was an amazing player. I just wanted to offer my condolences. He lead a remarkable and long life.
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