Thursday, October 1, 2026
Howard Lee Lovelady, 95, of Granbury, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep, after a short illness, on the early morning of Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, to join his beloved wife, Winette, in eternity.
Born August 15, 1929, in Santa Anna, Texas, Howard was the only child of Howard D., and Maude Lillie (Cozart) Lovelady. He grew up immersed in farm life, graduating from Santa Anna High School in 1947, and attended John Tarleton Agricultural College.
After Tarleton, Howard went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad for a brief time before being drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in the Korean War. Howard was proud of his service, fellow soldiers, and his country.
Upon returning from overseas, Howard resumed his career with Santa Fe, where he worked until his retirement in 1990. A railroad man to the core, Howard loved his career and the opportunities it afforded him, the greatest of which, Howard would tell you, was the opportunity to work for a period of time in Amarillo, Texas. It was there that he met his future wife Winette and her young daughter Vicki, who started their new life together with his first Santa Fe move to Chicago, Illinois.
Howard and Winette lived in several places they loved throughout his career and their 50-year marriage. They ultimately realized their lifelong dream of lake life, retiring in Granbury, Texas. Here, Howard enjoyed the best part of his life, living out his passions: fishing, following college football, forging wonderful friendships, volunteering, and being an active member of The First Presbyterian Church. He particularly loved trips to visit his grandkids, never tiring of all-day playtime, high school performances and especially thrived on their activities while they attended nearby TCU.
Howard’s life was filled with service, loyalty and profound love for life, family and friends. He will be remembered for his kindness, his quick wit, humor, and his “glass half full” outlook.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Winette. He is survived by his daughter Vicki (Don) Paavilainen and his grandchildren, Russell Wharton and Valerie Wharton. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Joe (Mary) Sykes and his cousin Randal (Ronda) Lovelady.
Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Granbury at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 11. A reception will follow at the church Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcome to a charity of your choice.
