Howard Nathan Shoumake, of Altus, Oklahoma, passed away on October 28, 2026, at the age of 76. His life was marked by his Christian faith, military service, and commitment to education.

Howard was born on January 31, 1950, in Wichita, Kansas, to Wallace Howard and Lucile (Smith) Shoumake. He grew up alongside his twin sister, Martha. His family moved back to Oklahoma in 1954 and settled in Altus in August 1963.

Howard graduated from Altus High School in May 1969, ranking in the top ten percent of his graduating class. He attended Altus Junior College before transferring to Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford. In May 1973, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech in Education, with a minor in History, graduating magna cum laude. He later earned an Associate of Science degree in General Management from Cameron University in July 1988.

Howard served in the United States Army for more than 23 years, retiring on September 1, 1997, as a Sergeant First Class, E-7. He served as a Senior Personnel Sergeant, with assignments in Germany and temporary duty in Panama and Honduras. His final permanent duty assignment was in Raleigh, North Carolina. Following retirement, he was self-employed in purchasing, renovating, and selling residential rental properties in North Carolina.

Faith held a central place in Howard’s life. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 8 and was baptized in the Baptist church. He was of the Southern Baptist faith, and his favorite Bible verse was Hebrews 11:1.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace Howard Shoumake and Lucile Shoumake.

He is survived by his twin sister, Martha Becerra; his nephew, Brandon Becerra, and Brandon’s wife, Holly Becerra; and their children, his great-nephew, Collin Becerra, and his great-niece, Amberly Becerra.

Howard’s life and memory will be honored by those who loved and knew him.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026, in the Kincannon Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026, in the Kincannon Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Gregory Hawn officiating. Burial will follow at Altus City Cemetery with military honors rendered by the United States Army.

Services may be livestreamed at https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/MSBLFG.

Online memorial tributes and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com