Howard was born on February 22, 1913, to Jacob and Massie Yoakum in Westoff, TX.  He was a longtime resident of Galveston and was employed as a longshoreman until his retirement in 1979.  During his tenure as a longshoreman, he was a member of the ILA Local 851, where he served as treasurer.  He was also a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and choir member.

Mr. Yoakum is preceded in death by his parents and numerous siblings. He is survived by his wife, Eula L. Yoakum; his brother, Ruben M. Yoakum; his sister, Lillie Owens; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by a homegoing celebration at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 26, 2011, at the St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 2917 Sealy in Galveston, TX, with Pastor Louis Simpson, Jr. officiating. Entombment will follow at Grace Memorial Park Mausoleum in Hitchcock, TX.

Floral and memorials may be sent to Fields-Johnson Family Mortuary, 3828 Avenue O, Galveston, Texas.