James "Mike" Howard

IN LOVING MEMORY

Mike Howard

Mar 20 1931 - Jan 24 2026 Jan 24 2026

James Mike Howard, was born on March 20, 1931, in Nocona, Texas to Walter Clyde Howard and Amanda Pauline Howard. A dedicated law enforcement officer and cherished member of his community, he peacefully passed away on January 24, 2026, in McKinney, Texas, surrounded by his loving family.

Mike's early life was spent in North Texas with his Dad (a funeral director), Mother, and 2 brothers Bob and Pat. His greatest joy was riding horses at his grandparents' farm near Alvord and pretending he was "The Sheriff". He graduated from Rising Star High School where he played football (quarterback) and drove the hearse for his Dad when needed. He met Martha Greene, the love of his life, at the drug store in Alvord, Texas where she worked at the soda fountain. He always said he was smitten not only by her beauty, but because she made the best chocolate sodas he had ever tasted. They were married in September 1951.

Mike served in the United States Army, enlisting on October 1, 1951, and proudly serving his country during the Korean War until his discharge on October 1, 1953. He became an MP and achieved the rank of Private First Class.

After his military service, he became a police officer for the Saginaw Police Department, rising through the ranks to become the Chief of Police. After graduation from North Texas State College, he was recruited into the U.S. Secret Service, where he poured his passion for law enforcement into protecting and serving others. While working in the Dallas field office, Mike became a part of history while aiding in the investigation of the assassination of President Kennedy. He loyally served on the details of President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy, Lynda Johnson Robb, and President and Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, among others. Mike took pride in being one of the top 3 marksmen in the US Secret Service at the time.

After retiring from the US Secret Service, Mike served enthusiastically in various capacities at the Frisco Police Department, Prosper Police Department, and Collin County Mounted Police Posse. His love for being a part of law enforcement led to his being commended as the oldest and longest serving active police officer in Texas in 2023.

Beyond his commendable career, Mike was an avid horseman with a deep love for Appaloosa horses. He had a remarkable spirit of adventure and rode hundreds of miles on various trail rides, including the esteemed Nez Perce Appaloosa Trail Ride, which took him through the scenic landscapes of Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, and Montana. His adventurous spirit also led him to lead numerous parades in celebration of July 4th in the surrounding areas, showcasing his enthusiasm for community and patriotism.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Martha Howard, and their daughter, Martha Gail Raven, along with son-in-law, Tim Raven. He was a proud grandfather to Kelly Wells (Bradley) and Kris Raven (Kayla) and cherished great-grandfather to Katelyn, Kara, Krista, Nate, Natalie, Ethan, Benjamin, and Emily. In addition, he was a proud godfather to Lucinda Robb Florio.

Mike's legacy of love, dedication, and spirited adventure will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Howard, mother, Pauline Howard, brother, Bob Howard, and brother, Pat Howard.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 30, 2026 at Rhea's Mill Baptist Church, 5733 North Custer Road, McKinney, Texas 75071 where Mike was a Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School teacher, choir member and helper. The service will also be live streamed at Rhea's Mill Baptist Church site by clicking on the following link: https://www.rheasmill.org/. Honorary pallbearers include: Mike Carter, Joe Fedore, Chuck Greene, Joe Howard, Tommy Howard, Robert Jackson, Mark Kinney, and Donald Vest. Following the service, a procession will make it way to Cottage Hill Cemetery, 11400 FM 2478, Celina, Texas 75009.

The family will receive friends Friday morning from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the church.

We express special thanks to Dad's Visiting Angel, Maureen and to Sterling Hospice, especially Katie and Hannah. They all provided loving care to Mike during his final months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mike Howard Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Rhea's Mill Baptist Church.