William H. Howle

William Henry Gail Howle passed from this life on October 21, 2024 in Bonham, Texas at the age of 90. Known as Gail, he was born on March 5, 1934, in Messer, Oklahoma to Cecil and Audie Mays Howle. The baby of his family, he was a welcome surprise 15 years after his twin sisters were born, and was the apple of their eyes. Gail grew up working and farming alongside his dad as a sharecropper, which instilled a great love for fruits and vegetables. Growing up during the Great Depression gave him a deep appreciation for things, and he spent his life collecting many treasures.
A lifelong learner, Gail loved school as a child, and he discovered a love for reading that followed him throughout his life. Very active in the FFA program, he brought a wealth of knowledge to his chapter from his extensive experience working with his father.
After graduating Hugo High School, Gail enlisted in the military, and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force until his honorable discharge in 1956. Gail married Linda Wyrick, and the two of them shared many years of love and happy memories. Though he never had children, Uncle Gail loved his nieces and nephews as his own.
A hairdresser by trade, Gail retired his scissors around 1980 when he was eligible for Social Security. As a child of the Great Depression, he had learned to manage money very carefully. Gail could stretch his monthly check even into the next month, and the water department hated to see an increase in his bill because they knew he would be calling!
Gail also served on the Election Board, which he greatly enjoyed as it allowed him to visit with people from throughout the community. He loved life, and those who were a part of his. He especially enjoyed sweet treats, particularly Sue's chocolate cherries. Gail was also known for his fondness for black cats, and he especially enjoyed fishing from the bank with a cane pole. Gail found great joy in visits from his family. His niece Sue, and husband Rusty, visited him often. Rusty introduced Gail to social media, and that brought everyone lots of laughs.
Gail is survived by a host of loving nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife Linda, his parents, and his sisters Lorene Gress and Irene Martinez.
A treasure to his family, Uncle Gail will be so greatly missed.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hugo, Oklahoma.