Mr. Howard Clayton Leverett

On Sunday, December 10, 2023, a light went out in Henderson as Howard Clayton Leverett, age 91, transcended from his earthly family to his heavenly Father where he will shine even more brightly. A memorial service will be held for him on January 10, 2024 at First Methodist Church in Henderson, Texas at 1:00 with visitation in the church parlor for family and friends following the service. The service will be led by Pastors Ricky Ricks and Mike Mayhugh. Inurnment will be at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas on January 12, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. Howard was born on July 3, 1932 in Turnertown, Texas in the middle of the East Texas Oil Boom to Arter and Carrie Leverett. He was the third of six children. Growing up in Turnertown, sports were a major part of his life. He was chosen by the coaches of Gaston High as a Who's Who in Physical Education. He participated in three major sports, being on varsity teams for three of his years in high school. Those sports were basketball, football, and track, where he was considered "... outstanding in the hurdles, broad jump, discus, shot, and dashes" quoting the coaches. After graduation from Gaston in 1951, he attended Kilgore Junior College on a football scholarship until he re-injured a knee, and his football career was over. He then enlisted in the Navy where he was assigned to the Naval Air Corp and served on aircraft carriers in the Korean Conflict. After discharge from the Navy in 1955, he returned to East Texas and began his career in the Oil Field working for Miller and Company of New London and Gibson Drilling of Kilgore. During this period, he prospected on government lands for uranium in Utah, Nevada and Wyoming. In 1963, he started Leverett Well Service and never looked back until retiring and selling his company in 1997. As a lifetime resident of East Texas, Howard was active for many years in community life. He was a member of the Optimist Club, Lake Cherokee Club member as well as a member of the board, a member of Henderson Country Club, and on the board of directors of several banks in Henderson. As a member of First United Methodist Church, he was Sunday School Superintendent for many years and a faithful member of the Lemons Sunday School Class. After retirement, he found great joy (and great frustration) in playing golf and enjoying the friendship of his fellow golfers. In 1985, Howard's life changed again. After prior marriages and with his two sons, he melded his family with his new wife and her two sons. He and Zulynne Coleman Mabe were married in Midland, Texas, having met through Howard's sister and brother-in-law in Midland. And they lived happily ever after until Parkinson's disease reared its ugly head! Even after that, they worked at keeping it from conquering them. Howard is preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Lula and her husband, Garner Wilde; brother, Canty Leverett, brother, Bill Leverett; sister, Ruth Rainwater, and brother, George Carroll Leverett. He is survived by his wife, Zulynne Leverett of thirty-eight years; sons, Steve Leverett of Lewisville, Texas and Stan Leverett of Austin, Texas; Jeff Mabe (Aimee) of San Diego, California; and Matthew Mabe (Katie) of New York City. Also, surviving him are three granddaughters: Emma and Madelynne of San Diego and Harper Lee of New York City. Additionally, mourning his loss are nieces and nephews who fondly remember their growing up with Uncle Howard. The family, also, wants to extend its heartfelt thanks to all of the people who have embraced us so lovingly. We are so encircled by angels who have cared for us in the past, mourned with us for the loss of this beautiful man, and rejoiced with us when he escaped Parkinson's and lives again with no limitations. We appreciate our church family, especially the Lemons Class, Autumn Leaves and its staff, Angel Care Hospice, and all of our wonderful and supportive friends. Surely, if the rest of the world were like Henderson, it would be in a better condition now. Memorials, if so inclined, suggested are to Angel Care Hospice, First Methodist Church and any of your choice. "When Christ died, he died for you individually just as much as if you had been the only person in the world." --C. S. Lewis "One short sleep past, we wake eternally, And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die."--John Donne, Holy Sonnets, 10, I. 13 "Heaven is a place where your dreams come true." --Dad in "Field of Dreams" Movie Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mr. Howard Clayton Leverett

July 3, 1932 - December 10, 2023