Howard Pilkington

William Howard Pilkington, 80, passed away Monday, January 29, 2024, in Graham, TX.  A graveside service will be held Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 3:00 PM in Woodland Park Cemetery, Mineral Wells, TX.  

Howard was born June 19, 1943, in Erath County, TX to the late Louise and William “Bill” Pilkington. He graduated from Mineral Wells High School in 1961. Howard married his high school sweetheart Sherry Chesnut on August 4, 1961, in Mineral Wells, TX.  

Howard spent 27 entertaining years working for the United States Postal Service with characters named Newsom, Robertson, Sims, Reynolds, Loftin, Swetnam, Matney, and Reedy. He was also employed by Loftin Real Estate, Don Helm Chevrolet, Dallas Morning News, and Fort Worth Star Telegram. He tested his entrepreneurial skills through owning and operating Handy Grocery and Howard’s Used Cars. 

Howard loved to hunt white-tail deer and go sand bass fishing on the Brazos River. He appreciated the finer things in life, namely track and field, the Texas Relays, UIL State Track and Field Championships, and Possum Kingdom Relays. He was an avid sports fan and loved the Graham Steers and Lady Blues, Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, and heartbreaking Dallas Cowboys. 

Howard was a man of faith and began his spiritual journey at Southside Church of Christ in Mineral Wells and strengthened his relationship with the Lord at Eastside Church of Christ in Graham and at Hamilton Street Church of Christ in Olney, TX. Howard loved to sing and served as the song leader at Eastside Church of Christ for 50 years. He also served as a long time elder at Eastside Church of Christ. 

Howard loved people, always had a smile on his face, and was a bright light. He was unassuming, gentle, proud, a man of enormous integrity. 

Howard is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sherry Pilkington of Graham; daughter Deneen Calcote of Watauga, TX; daughter Darla Pharis and husband, Greg of Graham; son Lonnie Pilkington and wife, Susan of Flagstaff, AZ. Howard is survived by six grandchildren: Ashley McDowd and husband, Kaleb of Chattanooga, TN; Devan Pharis and wife, Amanda, of Fort Worth, TX; Kaitlin Smith and husband, Carter, of Graham; Audrey Calcote and fiancé, Jacob Gibbs, of Weatherford, TX; and Kaia and Lyndee Pilkington of Flagstaff, AZ. Howard was blessed with two great grandchildren, Calvin Pharis and Cooper Smith.  

Howard was preceded in death by son Trent Pilkington and brothers Edward “Ed” and Elbert “Bo” Pilkington.

The Pilkington family would like to express our deep gratitude to Beyond Faith Hospice for caring for Howard over the last 2 years. Howard and Chandra aka Lil' Bit developed a special bond. A big thank you to Brandie for serving as his nurse and managing his care. Thank you to Teresa Lee for serving as Howard's caregiver when the family needed additional assistance. He loved all his caregivers.  

Memorials may be made to Foster’s Home for Children, P.O. Box 978, Stephenville, TX 76401; and/or Brown Trail School of Preaching, P.O. Box 210667, Bedford, TX 76095.