Howard W. Pickrel, Jr. passed away Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Clyde W. Cosper TSVH in Bonham, Texas. Howard was born January 5, 1943, in St. Joseph, MO. to Howard W. and Julie Pauline Speer Pickrel, Sr.  He married Margit S. Gideon on June 20, 2017, in Farmersville. He was a member of the Top Rail Cowboy Church in Greenville.

There will be a memorial service at Top Rail Cowboy Church in Greenville, Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 11:00 A.M.  He will be interred at DFW National Cemetery at 11:15 A.M., Friday, September 8, 2023.  Masks are required to enter buildings at the national cemetery.

Howard retired from the military after serving in the Air Force from 1960 until 1980. He was an MP in the Air Force and after retirement worked security for Dillard stores. He was a member of the Hunt County Honor Guard. He liked fishing and other outdoor activities. He was a member of a Wednesday night Bible study group. Howard was baptized August 30, 2019, at Top Rail Cowboy Church.

He is survived by wife, Margit Pickrel; sons, David Pickrel and wife Susan, William (Billy) Pickrel and wife, Evone and Joe Pickrel and wife Karla; daughter, Tonya and husband, Tim, along with numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews; brothers Mike Pickrel and Pete Pickrel; and sisters, Rosie and Judy.

His parents and one brother preceded him in death.