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Submitted: 1/12/22 • Approved: 1/12/22 • Last Updated: 1/15/22 • R481132-G0-S3
September 19, 1940 - February 23, 2016
*Obituary Amarillo Globe-News
PHOENIX — R.W. “Digger” Howard, 75, of Phoenix died Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Rex Baxter Building in Tri State Fairgrounds with Charlie Cox officiating. Graveside services will follow at 3 p.m. in Jericho Cemetery. Arrangements are by Cox Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive.
Digger was born and raised in Childress, Texas, on a cotton farm by his parents Pauline and R.B. Howard. In 1959, he moved to Amarillo, Texas, where, through hard work, he eventually began his mechanical construction business known as Howard’s Mechanical Co. Inc. Digger married Carolyn Schaffer in Childress, Texas, in 1963. His love of team roping led him to the development of the “handicapped number system” and the founding of Original Team Roping Association in 1987. Digger and Carolyn retired to Arizona to enjoy the sunshine and continue roping.
Digger has been recognized for his community efforts and contributions to western heritage as a recipient of the 2014 Tri-State Exposition Western Heritage Hall of Fame award, the 2011 dedication and naming of the R.W. “Digger” Howard Randall County 4-H livestock barn, and the Diggin’ the Kids Dummy Roping at Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping. Digger’s motto, “it’s fer the kids,” has impacted many youth throughout the Texas panhandle, exemplified by his assistance in the formation of Randall County Buyer Club, contributions and support to an at risk youth program know as “Randall 4-H Dream Team”, and Diggin’ the Kids Dummy Roping. These contributions are all part of Spicer Gripp Memorial Youth Foundation.
Digger was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bob; and two sisters, Sue Williams and Betty Morgan.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn; a daughter, Kim Estes and husband Jay; two sons, Todd Howard and wife Jennifer and Lance Howard and wife Erin; seven grandchildren, Britney Clark, Shandi Howard, Benjamin Estes, Jessica Howard, Jacey Estes, Dillion Roten and Brayden Howard; and two great-grandchildren, Kaysen Howard and Jax Estes.
The family suggests memorials be to Spicer Gripp “Diggin’ the Kids” Dummy Roping Scholarship Fund. P.O Box 2237 Hereford, TX 79045 or to Jericho Cemetery Association, in care of Marlene Morgan, 1933 Lynn, Pampa, TX 79065.
*Photo courtesy of Edith Guynes Stanley
Contributed on 1/12/22 by MryAl8
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Record #: 481132