Howard Loyad Iley, age 89 of Desdemona passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022 surrounded by his loving family at the Comanche County Medical Center. Howard was born on June 27, 1932 in Gorman, Texas to Henry Morgan Iley and Valera Lavada (Gowan) Iley.
Howard was a member of the First Baptist Church, and the Gorman Masonic Lodge. Howard served his country in the Korean War as an Army Master Sargent and was a proud recipient of many awards as an expert marksman with the Heavy Artillery Division. After returning from the war, Howard married his sweetheart, Georgia in a double wedding with his younger brother Wayne and Georgia’s best friend Wilma on October 9, 1954, and were happily married for 67 years.
Howard was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and attending Bluegrass festivals with his family and friends. He loved watching the rodeo, football games, supporting his grandchildren during their sporting events, tending the farm and his cattle. He spent countless hours with friends and family helping build the Desdemona Activity Center. Once complete, he volunteered at numerous fish fries, dances and other events.
Howard is survived by his loving wife Georgia Ann Iley; daughter Julia Ann Morris of DeLeon; two sons, Eddie Howard Iley of Stephenville, Fred Iley of Stephenville; grandchildren, Christopher Lee Morris, Clayton Lloyd Iley, Amanda Michele Holland, Whitney Dawn Morris; great-grandchildren, Kelton Pierce Morris, Ella Bell Morris, Maybree Pearl Iley, Lincoln Clark Iley; brother Wayne Iley; also numerous nieces and nephews and a special friend, Theron Tally.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Morgan Iley and Valera Lavada (Gowan) Iley; two brothers, Jerry Iley and Glen Iley; two sisters Wanda Bailey and Marie Arnold; son-in-law Toby Lee Morris.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the Deleon Cemetery, Deleon, TX under the direction of Higginbothams Funeral Home in Gorman. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the Desdemona Activity Center.
