Howard Austin Lackey

Howard Austin Lackey, a longtime resident of Morris, Oklahoma passed away at his home on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at the age of 73. Howard was born on January 19, 1938 in Hitchita, Oklahoma to Buddie Austin Lackey and Lillian Hazel Morton Lackey. Howard grew up and attended school at Victor, and later graduated from Checotah High School. He was a member of the 4H club and FFA where he raised and showed cattle and hogs, along with his brother George. He was active in several sports, especially in basketball and football. He later graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelors degree. He was an avid outdoorsman, and loved to hunt and fish with his family. Howard served as a member of the 45th Infantry Division ROTC and later served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, before his honorable discharge. Howard was married to Gemey Nell High, the love of his life, in Maysville, Oklahoma on January 27, 1962 and remained a beloved husband to Gemey for almost 50 years. He was also a loving father to his children Bret, Dean, Wade and Cheryl. He worked as an instructor of Industrial and Residential wiring at Oklahoma State University Tech in Okmulgee for many years before his retirement. He was also a retired beef producer and enjoyed raising cross bred cattle with his father. Howard was a member of the Second Baptist Church of Okmulgee where he faithfully served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and church sound technician. He thoroughly enjoyed taking trips with his church family and holidays with his family. Howard was preceded in death by both his mother and father; and brothers George Lackey and Baby Lackey. He is survived by his beloved wife Gemey of the home; son Bret Lackey and wife Kathy of Okmulgee; son Dean Lackey and wife Pam of Paragould, Arkansas; son, Wade Lackey of Henryetta; and daughter, Cheryl Salyer and husband Tim of Hitchita; by grandchildren Jessie, Jacob, and Britney Blackwell of Okmulgee; Caci Lackey of Morris; Levi Lackey and Quincy Roberts of Paragould, Arkansas; Easton and Todd Lackey; and grandaughter Alison Salyer of Hitchita; by an Uncle and aunt, Joe and Cora Jean Van Tuyl of Bixby; a sister, Carolyn Rainwater Southern and husband Jerry Southern of Council Hill; a nephew, Robert Rainwater Jr. and wife Dawn of Checotah; by a great grandson, Mason; many other family members and close friends. Viewing and family visitation will be held at Integrity Funeral Service from 6 to 8pm on Friday, August 19, 2011 . A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at The Second Baptist Church in Okmulgee with Rev. Steve Gallagher officiating and under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service of Henryetta.