Harley Howard

Howard Harley Lee Howard, longtime Seminole, Oklahoma resident, passed away on April 3, 2025 at the age of 87. He was born on May 22, 1937 to Sylvester and Betty Opal (Loftis) Howard in Hartford, Arkansas. His family moved to Seminole where Harley grew up. Harley married Dortha L. Smith on February 11, 1955 in Seminole. Sadly, Dortha passed away on November 24, 2013.

Harley received his apprentice plumbing license from Gordon Cooper Technology Center. He was a diesel engine mechanic in the oilfield. He worked for Power Transmission in Seminole and later opened his own business, Harley’s Equipment Company, as an oilfield mechanic. Allis Chalmers would fly him all over the country to fix difficult problems with their engines.

Harley was active in the Seminole Historical Society and helped with the Heritage House. He would pick up homebound seniors and drive them to the center for lunch. He enjoyed doing things for other people, fishing, hunting and was an avid OU football fan. He loved his grandchildren and doted over them.

Harley is survived by his sons; Keith Allen Howard of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Kirk Howard and his wife Martha of Allen, Texas, brothers; Jimmy Howard and his wife Harriett and Kenneth Howard and his wife Linda, all of Seminole, Ricky Howard of Missouri, sister; Gayle Anderson of Norman, Oklahoma and grandchildren Leah Howard and Adam Howard of Allen, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brother; Curtis Howard and sisters; Sylvia Graves and Betty Johnson.

Viewing for Harley will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 7, 2025 and 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.