R.W. "Digger" Howard

Digger was raised in Childress, Texas on a cotton farm. In 1959, he moved to Amarillo Texas where through hard work he eventually began his mechanical construction business known as Howard's Mechanical Co. Inc. Digger married Carolyn Schaffer in Childress Texas in 1963. His love of the sport of team roping led him to the development of the "handicapped number system" and the founding of the Original Team Roping Association in 1987. Digger and Carolyn retired to Arizona to enjoy the sunshine and continue roping. Digger has been recognized for his community efforts and contributions to western heritage as a recipient of the 2014 Tri-state Exposition Western Heritage Hall of Fame award. the 2011 dedication and namlng of the RW "Digger" Howard Randall County 4-H livestock barn, and the Diggin the kids dummy roping at the Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping. Diggers motto "it's fer the kids" has impacted many youth through out the panhandle exemplified by his assistance In the formation of the Randall County Buyer Club, contributions and support to the at risk youth program known as the "Randal 4-H Dream Team", and Diggin the kids dummy roping which contributions are part of the Spicer Gripp Memorial Youth Foundation. Survived by his wife Carolyn, daughter Kim Estes and husband Jay, sons Todd Howard and wife Jennifer, Lance Howard and wife Erin, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Visitation Schedule

Cox Funeral Home 4180 Canyon Drive Amarillo, TX 79109 Sunday, February 28, 2016 12:00 Pm - 9:00 Pm

Service Schedule

Funeral Service Rex Baxter Building Tri State Fairgrounds Amarillo, TX Monday, February 29, 2016 11:00 AM

Burial Schedule

Jericho Cemetery TX

Memorial Contributions

Spicer Gripp "Diggin The Kids" Dummy Roping Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 2237 Hereford, TX 79045 Jericho Cemetery Foundation In care Of Marlene Morgan 1933 Lynn Pampa, TX 79065