Howard Paul Stanley

Howard Paul Stanley entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 28, 2026, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, at the age of 72. Howard was born on July 11, 1953, in Kenefic, Oklahoma, to Fred and Wilma (Needham) Stanley. From an early age, he demonstrated a deep love for the Lord that would become the foundation of his life. At just 15 years old, he answered God's call into the ministry and was ordained to preach in the Free Will Baptist faith on March 7, 1971. He was later ordained in the Southern Baptist faith on July 6, 1975. Throughout the years, Howard faithfully served numerous congregations, with his most recent pastorate being Bullard Chapel Baptist Church in Tishomingo, where he continued sharing the Gospel and ministering to others with compassion and conviction. On August 19, 1971, Howard married the love of his life, Elizabeth Conley, in Wapanucka, Oklahoma. Together they shared nearly 55 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with three daughters, creating a home filled with faith, love, and family. Shortly after their marriage, Howard proudly answered his country's call by enlisting in the United States Navy on May 28, 1971. He honorably served until November 28, 1974, attaining the rank of Quartermaster Second Class. During the Vietnam War, he served aboard the USS Charles R. Ware and the USS O'Hare. His dedicated military service earned him the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Following his military service, Howard pursued higher education and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University on July 24, 1980. He taught auto mechanics, passing along not only technical skills but also a strong work ethic to his students. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to own and operate Tish Car Color, where he became well known for his craftsmanship. Howard also devoted nearly two decades of service to the Johnston County Sheriff's Office. After 19 years of faithful commitment, he retired as Captain of the Reserve Division on January 30, 2015. Outside of his many careers, Howard was a gifted gunsmith whose meticulous attention to detail reflected his patience and skill. Earlier in life, he developed a passion for aviation and earned his pilot's license, embracing every opportunity to take to the skies. Perhaps one of his greatest joys was mentoring others. He invested countless hours teaching his nephews, sons-in-law, and many others the trades of auto mechanics and body work, generously sharing his knowledge and encouraging them to always do their best. Howard and Elizabeth built their home and raised their family while living in Virginia Beach, Galveston, and throughout communities in Bryan, Marshall, and Johnston Counties before settling back in southern Oklahoma. Above all else, Howard loved the Lord, cherished his family, and faithfully served both throughout his life. His legacy of faith, service, integrity, and hard work will continue through the many lives he influenced. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Wilma Stanley; his sister, Mary Ellen (Stanley) Sampson; his brothers, Fred Wayne Stanley, Jerry Stanley, William Stanley, Gerald Stanley, and David Stanley; his nieces, Betty Conley, Alice Conley, and Marcia Sampson Nunley; and his nephews, Todd Sampson, Chuck Walters, Scott Stanley and Jerry Dale Stanley. Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Elizabeth Stanley; his daughters, Kimberley Weaver and husband, Josh, of Durant, Crystal Alvarez and husband, Gabriel, of Milburn, and E. Charmae Cheadle and husband, Steve, of Tishomingo; brothers, Edward Stanley and Everett Stanley; his grandchildren, Kirsten Russell, Landon Weaver and wife, Jonté, Hope Alvarez Converse and husband Preston, Cobey Alvarez, Ryan Stanley, Ashton Russell, and Colton Russell and wife, Whitney; his great-grandchildren, Shakota Russell and Callum DeLaTorre; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and the many people whose lives were touched by his ministry and friendship. The family will receive friends during Family Hour from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home in Tishomingo. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Folsom Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Jonathan Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Center Hill Cemetery. Those serving as pallbearers will be Ryan Stanley, Ashton Russell, Colton Russell, Kirsten Russell, Landon Weaver, Cobey Alvarez and Hope Alvarez Converse. Honorary pallbearers are Josh Weaver, Gabriel Alvarez and Steve Cheadle.

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Howard Paul Stanley

July 11, 1953 - June 28, 2026