Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2016. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 1, 2016 in Lemons Funeral Home Chapel in Plainview, Texas. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Tulia, Texas.

Howard was born January 10, 1927 in Voss, Texas to Henry and Eula Hayes. He grew up in the Kress area and graduated from Kress High School. He served as a paratrooper in the United States Army during World War II and later served in the Korean Conflict. After his military service he attended and graduated from Texas Tech. Howard farmed all of his life in Friona and Plainview. After retiring from farming he moved to Ralls, Texas where he owned and operated Ralls Auto Parts before moving back to Plainview. During his many years in Plainview he was known as the "Lawn Mower Man". He serviced innumerable lawn mowers and small engines.

He loved spending time with his family and was proud of all of his grandchildren. Howard especially enjoyed watching them all compete in various sporting events. They were truly his pride and joy. He and Faye, his bride of 60 years, enjoyed a lifetime of happiness together. They were long time members of 9th and Columbia Church of Christ.

Preceeding him in death are his parents, Henry and Eula Hayes; his sister, Francina Ann Hayes: and his brother, John Henry Hayes and John's wife Jean.

Howard is survived by his wife, Faye Hayes of Plainview; his son, Bob Thomas of Littlefield, Texas; two daughters, Janice Albright and her husband Steve of Aledo, Texas, and Diana Sisemore and husband Dane of Kress, Texas; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and two more on the way. He is also survived by one brother, Weldon Hayes and wife Helen of Childress.