Rufus Howard

Rufus Jarvis Howard, age 95, of West, formerly of Penelope, passed away early Tuesday morning, January 5, 2021 at Homestead Nursing and Rehabilitation in Hillsboro, due to complications from Covid. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2020, at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, with Ernie Albrecht officiating. Burial will follow at the Howard family plot at St. Mary's Cemetery in West. Rufus will lie-in-state from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Limited capacity, facial masks, and social distancing are required at all services. Live streaming will be available for the service. Rufus was born March 17, 1925 near Penelope, the oldest son of the late Rufus “Bert” and Meda (Muncy) Howard. He attended schools in Penelope. There were six boys in the family and they all had to work from an early age to help their father on the farm. In serving his country, Rufus entered the United States Army during World War II. Rufus married his neighbor Albina Marek on July 24, 1948 in Waco, after dating for four years. She preceded him in death on January 20, 2014. Rufus was a farmer for most of his life and enjoyed taking care of his cattle, riding around in the country and listening to old country music. Albina and Sharon were the loves of his life and they passed on the love for animals of all types to him, especially his cattle and the cats. He was a member of the Columbus Avenue Church of Christ in Waco. Rufus is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Sharon Howard; and his brothers, Jink Howard, Jack Howard, Thomas Gerald Howard, James Howard, and Billy Howard. Survivors include sisters-in-law, Bobbie (Knight) Howard of La Porte and Melba (Warren) Howard of Hubbard; brothers-in-law, Eugene Marek and wife Betty of Dallas and Leon Marek and wife Kathy of Bellmead. Pallbearers are Keith Howard, David Howard, Randall Howard, Dana Howard, Garry Howard, John David Howard and Tommy Howard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Church of Christ (P. O. Box 246, West, TX 76691) or Columbus Avenue Church of Christ (307 N. 16th St., Waco, TX 76701).