Burl M. Howze

Burl Melton Howze
1935 - 2018
Burl Melton Howze died on September 12, 2018, in Bakersfield, California. He was born on August 12, 1935, in Marlow, Oklahoma, where he spent his early years as a member of a growing family as they endured the Dust Bowl years and the Great Depression. His father's family were descendants of the Choctaw Tribe of Indians and when in Oklahoma they lived on land received from the U.S. government for compensation to members of the Choctaw Tribe who lived through what has been termed "The Trail of Tears." In 1941, the family migrated to Shafter, California, where they farmed.
Burl is survived by his wife, Linda, of 57 years, who stood beside him for a lifetime; his four children, Arlana, Landon, Carrie, and Kevin, and their spouses; 11 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Noble, David, and Gerald Howze, along with their sister, Barbara Ann. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Lee and Foncine Howze, brothers Maurice, Weldon, and beloved brother and best friend, Billy Joe, and sister Geraldine.
Burl was a cowboy in true American fashion. He loved all animals, and along with his boys, raised horses, cows, goats, hogs, dogs, and chickens most of his life. His cowboy adventures took him from every edge of Kern County, Madera, Cuyama Valley, Bass Lake, Redding, as well as Oklahoma, Arizona, Georgia, and New Mexico. He was a talented auctioneer, and worked cattle and equipment auctions up and down the state of California. His business ventures included farming cotton and hay, custom harvesting, and land development. He loved working side by side with his family, and shared many business pursuits with them.
His love for family and friends was well known. He had great love and fondness for his grandchildren Courtney, Meghin, Tyler, Caitlin, Austin, Hayden, Sawyer, Zachary, Sarah, Chaney, and Allie, and spent many weekends with them on the farm. He had a special place in his heart for his brothers and sister, and took great pride in his family history and successes. His favorite pastime was visiting with family and friends on the farm, out near the horse corral, around the kitchen table, sharing his love for his garden, weekend BBQs, and Sunday morning breakfasts. His Sunday morning prayers were well known, long winded, and likely influenced family and faith.
Burl was a gifted and animated storyteller, enjoyed hosting large family gatherings, and his greatest pleasure was in sharing time with his family and friends over a good meal and story.
Our father's legacy is the love he had for his family, friends and his faith in Jehovah God's promise of a resurrection to spend eternal life with them.
Graveside services to be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 10am, Shafter Cemetery, 18662 Santa Fe Way, Shafter, CA 93263.