Michael “Mike” Howland of Fairview, Texas passed away April 4, 2016, at the age of 80. He was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Roy and Mary Howland and was their only child. Mike grew up and attended public school in Guthrie, Oklahoma, graduating from Guthrie High School. He pledged Phi Kappa Sigma at the University of Oklahoma and remained close with his fraternity brothers until the last weeks of his life. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Oklahoma University, he served two years in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. It was there that he discovered his love of travel. Mike met the love of his life, Irene, on a “blind” double date in 1961. They were paired up with different dates for the evening but (after asking several times) Irene finally agreed to go out with him and they began dating. Mike and Irene were married on January 7, 1962, in Oklahoma City. They moved to the Richardson/Dallas area in 1966, where they raised their family. Mike and Irene retired to Heritage Ranch in Fairview where they enjoyed a beautiful view of the golf course. They recently moved to Flower Mound to be closer to their daughters. Mike had a successful career in sales and sales management for several national corporations. Later in his career he owned and operated a commercial real estate/brokerage firm until he “officially” retired in 2004. He and Irene traveled the world together and made good friends along the way. They loved to take trips with their “Travel Buddies” and returned with lots of stories, souvenirs, and photos.
Mike is survived by his wife, Irene Howland and their precious puppy Abbi; daughters, Kelly Wooley and husband Kent of Denton, and Lisa Matthews of Carrollton; grandchildren, Chris Wooley and Connor Wooley of Denton, and Alyssa Matthews of Carrollton; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to thank Dr. George Markus for 30 years of care and friendship, Hospice Plus, and The Oaks of Flower Mound for the compassion and assistance they provided for Mike in the final months of his life.
A celebration of life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 9 at Chinn’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 1000 Chinn’s Chapel Lane in Copper Canyon, Texas. A reception will follow in the Community Building behind the church.