The Garden City Telegram

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Howard Midyett

Published 3/9/2010 in Obituaries

Howard Esco Midyett, 85, a former Garden City resident, died in his sleep Wednesday, March 3, 2010, in Norman, Okla.

He was born Sept. 8, 1924, in Patsy, Mo., to Esco Elmer and Alice Pyatt Midyett, the eldest of their eight children. After graduating from Salem High School, he joined the Army Air Corps and served in the European Theater during World War II. Upon his return to the states, he earned a bachelor's degree from Missouri State University with a major in history and double minors in agriculture and economics. He earned a master's degree in educational administration from Fort Hays State University.

In 1953, he married Hazel Virginia Larimer. The first 20 years of their marriage were spent in Garden City, where they taught in the public school systems. When not in the classroom or moonlighting as a real estate salesman, he could often be found riding his quarter horse on the trails along the Arkansas River. He and his family traveled most weekends to compete in Kansas Western Horseman's Association shows.

When he was 48, he changed careers, bringing his family back to Missouri where he and his wife established a ranch and opened United Farm Agency real estate. He also rediscovered his childhood love of mules, covering the country roads of Missouri with his team of mules and covered wagon. He also enjoyed poetry, novels, country-western music and the outdoors. He and his wife were charter members of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Greenfield, Mo.

His wife died June 19, 2009. He also was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Irene Morton, Noel Midyett, Denzel Midyett and Nadine Midyett.

Survivors include a daughter, Dr. Judith Midyett Pender of Norman; a grandson; three sisters, Mildred Terrell of Salem, Mo., and Joyce Midyett and Ruby Bell, both of Rolla, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at Greenfield Funeral Chapel in Greenfield. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral chapel.

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