Howard Dee Ellington

Visitation will be Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Palmer Marler Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Friday, April 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Yale United Methodist Church.

Howard Dee Ellington was born on June 3, 1925, and passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, faith, and family.
Born into a generation marked by sacrifice, Howard was drafted into World War II at the age of 18 in 1943. He served his country honorably for 2 years, 6 months, and 11 days before returning home. Howard served overseas in the Philippines and Okinawa, Japan, where he spent much of his time on the front lines. His bravery and dedication earned him the Bronze Arrowhead and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars, honors that reflected both his courage and his unwavering sense of duty. After his service, he returned home and met the love of his life, Oleta Skinner, and the two were married in 1949. Together they shared an extraordinary 76 years of marriage built on love, devotion, and countless treasured memories.
During their marriage, Howard and Oleta raised three children: Gary, Debbie, and Karen. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Oleta Ellington; his daughters, Debbie Coke and her husband Bob, and Karen Hornberger and her husband Rick; his cherished grandchildren, Kari Casper, Nathaniel Gonzalez, Chris Coke, Elaina Hubbard, Nicole Ellington, Jeanette Yamamoto, and Melissa Lee; his beloved great-grandchildren, Isabella Gonzalez, Ashton Hubbard, Taylor Hubbard, Romy Whitington, Kaitley Coke, Emma Holt, Carlin Mustamandy, Jackson Mustamandy, Ellee Yamamoto, and Justin Yamamoto; one great-grandson on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
Howard lived a life marked by both hard work and remarkable accomplishments. One of his proudest achievements was contributing to the Apollo 11 Moon Landing spacecraft, a role that reflected his intelligence, dedication, and skill. Anyone who came to visit could count on Howard proudly showing them his National Aeronautics and Space Administration Apollo Achievement Award, which held a special place on his living room wall and in his heart. Later, he became the owner of his own Western Auto store in downtown Yale, where he served his community faithfully until retirement.
Howard and Oleta shared a love for the outdoors and adventure. They cherished camping trips to the lake and spent winters at Padre Island, while also traveling throughout the United States together. Summer brought special memories at the Bear's Den in Grove, Oklahoma, where their grandchildren would stay with them. Howard especially loved taking them fishing, creating moments they will carry with them forever.
A man of deep faith, Howard was devoted to First United Methodist Church in Yale. His commitment to his church family was evident in both his daily life and his willingness to serve others, including participating in a mission trip to Mexico.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Loma Ellington; his son, Gary Ellington; his brothers, Vernon Ellington, Ray Ellington and wife Alean, and Jim Ellington and wife Dorothy; and his sisters, Opal Ellington, Daisy Sneed and husband Leroy, and Goldie Lamons and husband Gerald.
Howard will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, faithful servant, patriot, businessman, and a man whose life touched history itself. His kindness, strength, wisdom, love for family, and unforgettable sense of humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
As Howard would always say when parting, "Don't take any wooden nickels."
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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