W.L. (Bill) Howard Jr. was born in Olustee on April 16, 1923 ,and died on Aug. 4, 2012 in Oklahoma City. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1948 and served in the Navy during WWII. Afterwards he met his future wife Marjorie Myers, and they were married in 1950.

Bill is survived by his sons, Robert D. Howard and wife Linda of Edmond, Douglass G. Howard and wife Susan of Oklahoma City, and Ross W. Howard and wife Marie Elise of Oklahoma City; four grandchildren, Marjorie Wetwiska and husband Steven, Lindsay Howard, Marci Howard, and Luke Howard; two great-grandchildren, Jack Wetwiska and Bennett Wetwiska; brother, Joe Howard of Mitchellville, Md.; and sister, Carolyn Chapman of Altus.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Marjorie Myers Howard; his parents, William Lester and Letitia Dickey Howard; his brother, Dick Howard; and sister, Emmalou Bates.

He studied architecture at OU and under Frank Lloyd Wright, was President of the Oklahoma AIA Chapter, won numerous design awards and served on the faculties of both OU and OSU. Among the beautiful buildings he designed are Quail Creek Country Club, Church of the Servant and Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Bill loved being with family and friends, the practice of architecture as well as all varieties of music and art. He enjoyed golf, tennis, family trips to New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona. But what he would want us to remember most, was his love of God who guided him through the days of his life. He was a true gentleman.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church.