Howard Maurice Axtell

Howard Maurice Axtell left this world on February 1, 2025 in Forney, Texas. He was born on July 10, 1942 in Orange County, Florida, to Joseph Walter Axtell, Sr. and Phyllis Columba MacPherson. 

He was proud of earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1970. He practiced general medicine for over 50 years and dedicated many hours of research and training in holistic medicine. He was driven by, and often quoted, the proverb in Luke 4:23 - “Physician, heal thyself.”

Howard is preceded in death by his father, Joseph; his mother, Phyllis; his brother, Joseph Walter Axtell, Jr.; his sister, Florence Mae Malone; his adopted son, Michael Howard Wayne Thomas Bell-Axtell; and his nephew, Jeffrey Todd Cross. He is survived by his sister, Eva Eileen Hunter; his daughters, Stephanie Spear, Jennifer Dingman, Raphaela Reed, Gabriela Axworth, and Sarah-Danielle Malingu; 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 7 nephews, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Howard struggled most of his life concerned with the legacy that would follow him. Life never seemed easy for him and peace often eluded him. Howard’s journey was one of seeking, and although life didn’t always bring him the happiness he searched for, our prayer is that he is now embraced in the mercy and love of God. Titus 3:4-7 says “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy…whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” God’s grace is fully abundant for all, regardless of our struggles, imperfections, and unintentional (or intentional) mistakes we make. We all fall short of the glory of God and Howard’s daughters’ prayers are that he has finally found the happiness and peace he spent his life searching for.

A memorial service will be held on 4:00pm Monday, February 17, 2025 at Goggans Funeral Home, located at 1911 N Frances St., Terrell, TX 75160. In lieu of flowers, his daughters request donations be made to Family Compass or The Women’s Center of Tarrant County.

Family Compass link: https://family-compass.networkforgood.com/

The Women’s Center of Tarrant County link:https://www.womenscentertc.org/donate-online/