Howard Lee Earven of Heavener, Oklahoma was born to Sam and Catharine Earven on April 19, 1931 in the mountains of Sanchez, Arizona near Safford. He passed away surrounded by family at his home on May 3, 2026 in Heavener, Oklahoma. His parents traveled the country from Arkansas to California as "fruit tramps" accompanied by the 6 children they had at the time.

Howard eventually landed in Arvin, California where he met Nan.  She was his first and last date. On November 16, 1953 they were married and started building their life together. They enjoyed 72 and a half years of marriage.

Howard owned his own truck and hauled all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and wine grapes as "Earven Trucking." He bought Nan her own truck and she joined him in the business. As their business grew and multiple trucks and drivers were added they changed the name to "Bronco Trucking" and they were "Buckin' for Business." Howard also ran his own successful cattle operation and together they raised five children who gave them numerous grandkids and great grandkids. One of his favorite things to do was get down in the floor and play with them. He always made sure to tell everyone how proud he was of his family. Howard was a member of the "Exchange Club" in Arvin.

In 1978, they moved to Oklahoma and Howard bought a section of land in Hontubby. Over the years all five of their kids would eventually join them in Oklahoma. Howard raised cattle and worked the land while Nan raised chickens. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Heavener.

He spent his spare time on the back of a horse and took up the sport of team penning even winning second place with his team at the big event in Ft. Worth Texas. He was a member of the Green Country Team Penning Association and served as a member of the Heavener Round Up Club. He sponsored numerous baseball teams as Earven Trucking and Bronco Trucking in Arvin and the Heavener Broncos.

He spent many years raising and breeding horses at his place. He loved a tall horse and he was truly larger than life to everyone who knew him. Howard worked cattle on horseback for the last time at 92.

He is survived by:

His wife of 72 ½ years:

Nan (Green) Earven of the home

One daughter:

Marla Hinds and husband Mack of Heavener, Oklahoma

Three sons:

Danny Earven and wife Brenda of Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Clark Earven of Heavener, Oklahoma

Frank Earven and wife Linda of Heavener, Oklahoma

Son-in-law:

Don McMillin of Poteau, Oklahoma

His grandchildren:

Clint Bradshaw, Cody Bradshaw, Stacey Hathcoat, Summer Bonner, Audrey Hester, Tanner Hinds, Heidi Sumpter, Cory Earven, Mark McMillin, and Melissa Culverson

His great-grandchildren:

Hunter Bradshaw, Ethan Bradshaw, Skyla Hathcoat, Kayla Hathcoat, Tyler Hathcoat, Jaxon Bradshaw, Grayson Bradshaw, Jace Bradshaw, Talan Hinds, Tatum Hinds, Marley Bonner, Jude Bonner, Blaid Heflin, Jocilin Heflin, Kole Heflin, Carter Heflin, Maddox Heflin, Francesca Hester, Brecken Sumpter, Kaia Sumpter, Braven Sumpter, Harbor Sumpter, Caitlin Earven, Colt Earven, Cashlyn Earven, Jake McMillin, Kade McMillin, Maci Wright, and Calli Culverson,

One great-great-granddaughter:

Sage Bradshaw

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and a host of many friends

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Catharine Earven; one daughter, Lucy McMillin; five sisters Barbara Stites, Zelma Stinnett, Ella Stites, Betty Smith, and Winnie Powell; two brothers, Jesse Earven and Frankie Earven;.

Funeral service to honor Howard's life will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at the Freedom House Fellowship Church in Heavener, Oklahoma with Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Burial will follow in Greenhill Cemetery in Cameron, Oklahoma under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be: His Grandchildren