Howard LeRoy Minor, 90, of Broken Bow, OK, passed away on March 17, 2025. Born on April 5, 1934, in Parsons, KS, to LeRoy and Jewel Nona (Merrill) Minor, Howard lived a life defined by dedication—to his family, his students, his athletes, and his community.

A proud graduate of Denison High School, he went on to play football at the University of Oklahoma under legendary coach Bud Wilkinson. In 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, JoAnn Aday, sharing a rare and extraordinary bond—they were born on the same day and remained inseparable for 56 years until her passing. In a remarkable twist of fate, they both passed away on March 17, exactly 15 years apart.

Howard’s career as an educator and coach spanned decades. He began coaching at Broken Bow High School in 1958, leading the track team to three state championships and mentoring numerous athletes, including an Olympian. His contributions to coaching were recognized with multiple honors, including inductions into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame, the Denison High School Sports Hall of Fame, and the Oklahoma Alumni Association Hall of Fame. In 2010, the Minor Track and Field Complex was named in his honor.

Beyond athletics, Howard served as Principal at Broken Bow Middle School and remained deeply involved in the community. He was a volunteer firefighter, a longtime member of the Walking Blood Bank, and dedicated over 60 years to the Broken Bow Housing Authority. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Broken Bow Airport and City Park and was an active member of the Jaycees Club.

In retirement, he found joy in spending time with family, fishing, camping, and, most of all, being a devoted great-grandfather. He took immense pride in attending his great-grandchildren’s events and making sure they all knew his favorite song: Boomer Sooner!

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, his wife JoAnn, his son Lynn, and his lifelong friend, Jack Brock. He is survived by his son Larry and daughter-in-law Kathy; a cherished family friend, Judy Pike; his grandchildren Chad Minor (Monica), Brandi Crocker (Travis), Paden Minor, and Gary Minor (Alex); and five great-grandchildren: Beux and Blair Minor, and Kale, Kaden, and Jace Crocker. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, ZoAnn Aday and Wanda Minor, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends, former students, and athletes who still proudly call him “Coach.”

Howard Minor’s legacy will live on in the lives he shaped, the lessons he taught, and the community he helped build. He was a man of integrity, strength, and unwavering commitment—a true Broken Bow Savage in life and a Sooner forever.

Rest well, Coach. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Funeral Services are set for 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 21, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Broken Bow. Interment to Follow at Hochatown Cemetery, Hochatown, OK

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the Broken Bow Track Booster Club at McCurtain County National Bank.