Graveside services for James Paul Howard, 84, were held Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Ridge Park Cemetery in Hillsboro, with Minister Mark Smith of Sun Valley Church of Christ of Hewitt officiating.

Howard was born at home on Feb. 7, 1925, near Peoria in Hill County, to James Franklin Howard and Sara Minerva Smith Howard. He went to be with his Lord on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009.

He attended the country school, Hunt Elementary, then graduated from Hillsboro High School and 4-C Business College.

He was a fire chief in the 8th Air Force in England during World War II.

After marrying Catherine Hogg, Aug. 28, 1947, the couple made their home in Clifton for more than 40 years, and lived in Hewitt for the past 12 years.

He was a farmer/rancher, a partner in business at Clifton Auto Supply, and served for 20 years as a Bosque County Commissioner.

He and Katy spent many years traveling in their RV and enjoying their family. He was a faithful loving husband, father, grandfather, and a devoted Christian who laboriously studied God’s word. He spent a lifetime as a Biblical scholar with a collection of over 1,000 religious commentaries and books.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Sara Howard; brother, Veon; two sisters, Erma Marshall and Nell Bailey; step-brother, John Coble; and grandchild, David Franklin.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Katy; two daughters, Cathy Franklin of Abilene, and Paulette Penney of Hewitt; three grandchildren, Tonya Cargill of Hewitt, Paula Ernst of Ablilene, and Wes Penney of Waco; five great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and two half-brothers, Sam Howard of Blum, and Gary Howard of Hillsboro.

Pallbearers were Wes Penney, Tim Schmidt, Howard Marshall, Danny Ragland, Ira Voiles, Sam Howard, and Gary Howard.

In lieu of flowers, one may donate to either the Sun Valley Church of Christ or a favorite charity.

Clifton Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.