AQHA Past President Frank Howell of Union City, Georgia, passed away on March 6. He was 79. Named an AQHA director in 1996, Frank served as AQHA president in 2005. He served on the amateur, stud book and registration, finance, recreational riding, hall of fame selection, and nominations and credentials committees, as well as the affiliate and racing councils, and the public policy task force. In 2011, Frank was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.
Frank, who was a professional roofing contractor, said his big mistake in life was buying a Quarter Horse. “I was just like everyone else then,” he said, grinning. “I really got the bug.”
His horses included Sugar Ray Cool, a four-time world champion halter stallion who also won AQHA’s year-end high-point halter award four times. Another was Private Twister, who was a reserve world champion in halter and a year-end high-point halter award winner that set a record for the most points earned by a gelding. There was also Zoraya, a mare that earned Frank another world championship in halter. Then there was Miss Mergie, a mare that Frank retired from the racetrack due to health problems and put into barrel racing training and who later became a world champion.
Frank is survived by his wife, Lena; daughter Iris Yocco and husband Stan; son Steve; and grandchildren Mickey, Alex and Holly Cole; Kent, Cara and Marla Yocco; and Martina and Cary Howell.
Condolences can be sent to the family at P.O. Box 349, Union City, GA 30291-0349. You may also donate to AQHA’s America’s Horse Cares Program in honor of Frank Howell. Contact AQHA for more details.
