Dr. Jack Howard

Memorial services for Dr. Jack Barton Howard, 80, of Tulsa, formerly of Ada are Saturday, July 7, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Ada. Christian worship service with Eucharist will begin at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Erin Warde officiating, followed by a gathering of family and friends in the parish hall at 11 a.m.

Dr. Howard died peacefully with family by his side on Friday, June 22 in Tulsa. He was born March 12, 1938 in Oklahoma City to James W. and Myrtle Marie Everett Howard. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School, Oklahoma City, in 1956, and received his Bachelor's Degree from Central State College in 1960.

In December of 1960 he married Linda Louise Drummond of Ada. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma Medical School in 1964, the couple relocated to Phoenix, Arizona where he served in the United States Air Force as a flight surgeon. He was later stationed in Misawa, Japan, San Antonio, TX, and Tucson, AZ and retired from the Air Force in 1976.

In 1977 he moved to Ada and established Ada Orthopedics, where he quickly became known and loved as the cowboy doctor who would walk into the ER in his cowboy boots and western shirts. He would see his patients at any time, going to their homes and farms to check on them. He often accepted payment in the form of old vehicles and other items, odd jobs around the family farm, or just a "thank you" for those who couldn't afford to pay. "Doc" always had a story to tell to ease his patients when they were scared. His practice thrived for many years and he also took pride in acting as Team Doctor for Ada High School and East Central Football.

Jack loved working on his farm and being involved in the family hobby of showing horses. If he wasn't in the ER or making rounds, he could usually be found on the tractor or tending to the horses and cattle.  An active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Jack would be one of the first to arrive to have coffee and breakfast with the men's group.

In his later years, Jack became increasingly proud of his military service during the Vietnam War and loved reminiscing about his military days, especially in Japan.

His biggest pride and joy, however, were his three children, Jeffry, Kathryn, and Rebecca, and being "Papa" to his four grandchildren, Kristopher Lowry, Mary Kathryn Lowry, Kayson Howard, and Chapman Howard. He is also survived by two sisters, Karen West and Linda Madden.

Dr. Howard left behind a legacy in Ada and beyond, not only by healing so many with his surgical skills, but by touching others with his servant's heart. In the words of his grandson, Kristopher, "Everyone has a Dr. Howard story." It is no surprise that he continued to win over the hearts of the nurses and staff who so tenderly took care of their "Dr. Jack" until the end.

In Lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association- Oklahoma Chapter:

2448 E. 81st Street, Suite 3000
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137-4250

918.392.5007 or 1.800.272.3900

http://act.alz.org