Howard Franklin Ratcliff

Howard Franklin Ratcliff, 91, of Weatherford, passed away Friday morning, December 15, in Willow Park Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Thursday, December 21, at the North Main Church of God in Weatherford. Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening, December 20, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, 913 N. Elm Street, in Weatherford.

Howard was born on March 24, 1926, in Gentry, Arkansas to Leonard and Anna Belle Ratcliff. In his younger years, he farmed on an orchard with his father. Howard was also an active leader in the Boy Scouts. His hobbies were fishing and wood working. 

Howard owned his own business, in Coffeyville, Kansas “Howard’s APCO Service Station”. He served proudly in the US Army, fighting for our country in WWII. He had a distinguished military career, which included a Bronze Star for his involvement in the South Pacific with heavy artillery. He was a member of the Rock of Chickamauga, 19th Division, 23st Regiment; 1st Battalion. 

He gave his life to Christ in 1968 and went on to become an ordained minister in the Church of God, serving congregations in both Texas and New Mexico. He also participated with Missions in Mexico through his church. Howard’s moto was, “If you’re committed, faithful, and obedient…you can win!” Most of all, Howard was devoted to doing work for his Lord and Savior, working diligently to expand the Kingdom of God, through preaching and personal testimony, and preparing people for the Second Advent of Jesus Christ. He as well, cherished his time spent with family.

Howard is survived by his children, Janice Elaine (Richard) Clough, H. Duane (Nadine) Ratcliff, Sandra Joyce (James) Guerrero, Carl Lynn (Kennetha) Ratcliff, and Kurt Wynn (Leta) Ratcliff; and by 14 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and by 8 great great-grandchildren.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Fern; and daughter, Melissa Dawn; as well as his brothers, Bill, Virgil, and Calvin; and sisters, Reba, Hazel, Gladys, and Shirley.