Marshall Dan Howard

M. Dan Howard, a prominent figure in the Lubbock community, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 29, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on April 5, 1937, in Lubbock, Texas, Dan dedicated his life to his family, his friends, his faith, his career, and his community.

Dan was a devoted husband to Kay and a loving father to their three children, David Howard, Beth Howard Hittle and Linda Howard Douglas. He cherished his role as a grandfather to his seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. His family was his greatest joy, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments.

A highly respected accountant, Dan earned his BBA in Accounting from Texas Tech University in 1959.  After a brief stint working in Dallas for Arthur Anderson, he moved home to West Texas and was the founding partner of Howard, Cunningham, Houchin & Turner, LLP, and served as President of the Lubbock chapter of CPAs in 1971. His professional leadership and expertise were recognized with numerous awards, including Outstanding Chapter President of the Texas Society of CPAs in 1971 and Distinguished Public Service Award from the Lubbock Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs. Dan also served on the Board of Directors for Lubbock National Bank from 1978 to 2020.

A lifelong Red Raider, Dan was honored with the Texas Tech Distinguished Alumni Award in 2015.  He served as Chair of the Red Raider Club in 1987 as well as being very active with the Texas Tech Alumni Association, the Texas Tech Foundation Board, and the Ranching Heritage Association. Dan was a committed fan and supporter of Texas Tech athletics having season tickets to football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball.  He was President of the Texas Tech Tax Institute and honored as an Outstanding Alumnus of Beta Alpha Phi.  He was also a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

Dan was deeply committed to his community. He served as Chair of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce in 1986, a member of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 2008, and Chair of Methodist Hospital (now Covenant Hospital) in 1988. He was a dedicated supporter of Boy Scouts of America, serving as a trustee for 15 years.  Dan was a longtime member of the Southwest Lubbock Rotary Club, serving as President in 1972, a Paul Harris Fellow, and receiving the Roy Bass Memorial Award in 1981. He was awarded the William H. Tinney Ethics Award in 2014 in recognition of his outstanding commitment, service, and contributions to the Lubbock area. An avid golfer and member of the Lubbock Country Club, he served as Chair of the Lubbock Country Club Board.

A man of strong Christian faith, Dan was a faithful member for 70 years of the First United Methodist Church in Lubbock. He served as Chair of the Administrative Board, Co-Chair of the Building Campaign in 2005, and Co-Chair of the Investment Committee.  Dan was a member of the Hi Robinson Class.

Dan’s legacy extends far beyond his professional and civic achievements. He was known as a kind and compassionate man who always had time for others. He was a best friend and mentor to so many throughout his life and took time to listen to those who sought his advice. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire Lubbock community.

Dan is survived by Kay Alexander Howard, his wife of 64 years (just 8 days shy of 65 years), his son, David Howard (Laura) of Sylva, North Carolina, and his daughters Beth Hittle (Karl) of New Braunfels, Texas, and Linda Douglas (Jay) of Lubbock, Texas He was so proud of his grandchildren, Melanie Watson, Katie Hittle Nichols, James Howard, Kyle Hittle, Will Watson, Andrew Howard, and Luke Watson, and his great-grandchildren, Liam Nichols, Hudson Nichols, Finley Nichols, Evie Watson and Wade Watson and soon to be Charlotte Hittle.  He is also survived by his brother, Dale Howard (Gail) of Tacoma, Washington.

His memorial service will be held on February 3, 2025, at 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church of Lubbock. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First United Methodist Church, Meals on Wheels of Lubbock or Hospice of Lubbock.

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