Howard Farriell Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Howard Ray Farriell, Sr., age 85, on July 1, 2025. Howard’s daughters surrounded him with love, music, and laughter in his final moments and made sure his hair was as beautiful as ever.

Howard was born on November 18, 1939, to Jess Zuener and Alta Viola Farriell. After his mother’s passing, he spent his early years selling newspapers and looking out for his younger brother before boarding a bus to the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, Texas. It was there he met his lifelong best friend, Emory Hopkins.

On nights when Howard and Emory would “slip out” of their dormitory, Howard met his high school sweetheart, Linda Sue Braddock. He married Linda in 1961 and shared many years of life, love, and stories with her, along with two children, Howard Ray Jr. and Michele Deann, and their beloved 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.

After Linda’s passing, Howard continued to build a life shaped by love, friendship, and family. In 1986, he welcomed his daughter, Cassie, with Becky Madewell. Though they were never married, Howard and Becky remained great friends throughout his life.

In 2004, Howard married Sylvia North, and together they built a life in Garland, Texas, filled with quiet joy. Most days, you could find them sitting down for their daily 4 p.m. coffee, working in the yard, or enjoying the comfort of their home with their precious dog, Reggie. Howard also gained a stepdaughter, Daune Cole.

Howard is survived by his wife, Sylvia Farriell; his daughters, Michele Deann Farriell-Peacock and Cassie Leigh Madewell; his stepdaughter, Daune Cole; his sons-in-law, Joby Peacock and Tyson Lamb; his daughter-in-law, Kathryn Farriell; his grandchildren, Jeremy, Megen, Kaitlynn, Tyler, Brianna, Paige, and Oaklen; his great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Maddie, Ashtyn, Levi, Weston, and Everett; and his sister, Bonnie Robertson.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Farriell; his son, Howard Ray Farriell, Jr.; his mother, Alta Viola Farriell; his father, Jess Zuener Farriell; and his brothers, Marvin and David Farriell.

A celebration of Howard’s life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 2343 Lake Rd, Lavon, TX 75166. In true Howard fashion, casual dress and cowboy boots are welcome. We ask that you bring any photos you may have and a story to write down or share if you wish.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco or the Alzheimer’s Association, causes close to Howard’s heart.

https://www.mch.org/donate/

https://www.alz.org/