Howard “HoHo” Branson Yonce - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let the memory of Howard “HoHo” be with us forever.

This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Howard “HoHo” Yonce. We will remember him forever.

Tributes

November 4, 2022

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday My dear HoHo! Happy Birthday to you!
Missing you so much on this 3rd Birthday celebration without you. In remembrance, I helped Andy and Steve bake all those dozens of cookies for the prison ministry. You always volunteered and enjoyed doing this. Probably because you liked helping to eat the broken ones. Great visit with friends. We laughed at some funny, great memories of HoHoisms.
Our boys and I laughed about what birthday dinner you would be choosing. Ribs, tacos, stew beef & rice or chili dogs? You have left us with a lot of fun loving memories. It brings such joy sharing all these moments
Still missing you everyday. Missing your big laughs and hugs. While it was a rainy day with storms here today. I can’t imagine the gorgeous celebration where you are today.
Love you. Miss you Thank you for now being my Angel and watching over me.
So much Love from Your Angel

July 9, 2022

Happy 38th Heavenly Anniversary to my HoHo.
This is still hard to find the words, but I think it helps me by doing this. I’m Still having some good and some bad days, but today was especially difficult because you weren’t here to celebrate with me. I still miss you every day. I miss my friend. I miss your laugh, your humor, your love, your big hugs, your huge heart, walks on the beach and our nightly prayer time. I miss your little ways each day of making me feel so special.
I miss the prankster in you planning out your next bout of fun.
It’s too quiet here sometimes. so I got a new puppy. She’s 5 months old, loving, a cute little ball of fur and a great listener. I named her Angel. I attached a video of her talking to me
You would love her too.
I Love you and miss you

May 17, 2022

My HoHo
I don’t know how it has been 2 years now since you have been gone. The year has gone by fast, but some days still go slow. It’s hard to explain. I have learned that part of grief is having good days and bad days. The difference now is, there are more of the good days than the bad. My saving Grace is trusting on the daily direction and Grace of God. We all still miss you like crazy. The photos and memories in our hearts is a special gift you left behind. You left us with smiles because of your love and the full life you lived. Our hearts are empty because we can’t see you, but they are full of the love you shared.
So we should do what you would want. Smile, laugh, love and go on. For 37 years , I was honored to be taken by the hand and led on so many life adventures with you. Now, I’m trying to find my way by myself, which hasn’t been easy not having my best friend with me. It hasn’t been easy without you, but all of our kids and grandkids have been here with love and encouragement. They have been keeping me going.

I still love you and I still miss you
Love,
Your Angel

December 25, 2021

Merry Heavenly Christmas! Our second Christmas without you. I know you are having a great Christmas with all the children there and 2 special little ones. I spent the day with our wonderful grandkids here. We are all missing you so much, especially this time of year. We talked of how glad we were of the Austin trip to Beau’s school as Santa in 2019, not knowing it would be the last Santa outing. All our kids have helped me so much with coping and making it through the Holidays. This year seems to have been a little easier. It didn’t seem so much like I was in survivor mode. Rather a bit more able to enjoy everyone. What I think we’ve learned is how to explain that when you’ve lost a loved one of your family, even the best of times we can still have pain. Christmas is supposed “to be the best time of the year” Someone is missing and the best days and happiest events are also sometimes a little sad. Grief and tears are all ok. They are not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of how much we loved HoHo. I was glad to see Beau and Blake know they could talk about their HoHo openly. What a tremendous amount of love we all have to share about HoHo.
Merry Christmas!
Love from your Angel
Jan

November 4, 2021

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

I’ve not stopped missing you. Today, I’m missing you even more because it’s your Birthday and you are not here. I wish you were here today to sing Happy Birthday to you. Of course, off key as you always sang so loud to all who were privileged to hear. Or also, your favorite song loud and off key to the boys surprise wake ups in the morning. ‘You are my sunshine, my only sunshine”.
This puts a smile on my face thinking of these funny memories.
Happy Heavenly Birthday to my friend. Miss you. I am sad that you are gone, but remembering all you left behind

Love you Bigger
Jan

July 9, 2021

My HoHo

I’ve tried many times today to write this and I’m still struggling.

Happy 37th Heavenly Anniversary. It seems like yesterday we bought a house, put together a blended family, combined 2 houses of stuff, planned a small wedding in our new home and brought our mothers to TX to meet for the first time on our Wedding day. I should have realized at that time, the adventurous life we would start together.
This is our second Anniversary we are not together. How? How does it seem that time flies, yet goes so slow. How have i lived without you by my side? It’s been over a year now and I still remember exactly how I found you in your chair looking so peaceful.
I can still hear the panic in my voice and the earth shattering around me. My heart still hurts and misses you every single day.
I have strength every day because of you. You took me by the hand, you were my Christian role model, you taught me how to Pray and become closer in my walk with God. You were my Angel.
Memories are Blessings. I thank God for the wonderful memories you made for all of us and so many memories you made for our Grandchildren in such a short time. We’ve had many conversations about your funny, loving, fun time personality that shows in all the pictures we have.
I call them HoHo-isms!
I have learned through this year, grief is an endurance, not something to hurry and complete.
I am adjusting and accepting.

Love you
Your Angel

May 17, 2021

ONE YEAR
Shared by Jan Yonce on May 17, 2021

My dear HoHo. It’s hard to believe it has been a year without you. This last year seemed so short, but most days seemed so long, like they would never end. Through this past year I have learned that your love will always be me. That grief never ends. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. It’s a place where all my memories have become treasures. It’s a place to keep and cherish all the memories I have locked in my heart. Like all the HoHo isims, the adventures, your great sense of humor and your huge heart full of love for all of us. And your pranks!
Yes, every day I miss my best friend, my husband and father to our 4 boys. I miss holding your hand and praying with you. I miss the walks on the beach. I miss you raising me up every day with your sweet words of compliments, a hug or just holding my hand while telling me you loved me. You always had a way of making me feel special and loved.
I thank you for the years of loving our boys, our sweet daughter in laws and our grandchildren.
Somehow you knew and you squeezed a lifetime of memories with us in a short time. We will always cherish the memories. I have learned that my grieving has not been a lack of faith or a sign of weakness. It has been a Price of Love. Grieving is when our hearts are so full of love, it overflows.
I posted some videos under gallery, then video tab. Just a little of laughs and pranks by HoHo. I’ll be looking for more to post. Great memories for a lifetime!

I miss you and love you HoHo
Love,
Your Angel

November 4, 2020

HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY! Thank you for all the wonderful memories you made with all of us! We had coconut cake tonight to celebrate you! It wasn’t the same without your bigger than life personality here! Love you and miss you. ❤️

July 9, 2020

To Howard, my friend, My husband
Happy Heavenly 36th Anniversary
You held my hand, you held my heart for 36 wonderful years. I wished I could have been there to hold your hand the night when Jesus took you home in your sleep. So now I hold you in my heart with all our beautiful memories. Our plans were made but, one more memory we didn’t get to make. Our anniversary this July 9th with one more walk on the beach was not meant to be.
You held my hand for 37 years as my friend
You held my hand for 36 years as my husband by my side
You held my hand while loving a blended home full of boys
You held my hand and my heart through all of life’s up and downs
You held my hand with our walks on the beach
For 36 years I loved you dearly
Though you are not here with me today I love you still
Now I hold you in my heart nothing can fill
I miss you every day

I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety
Psalm 61:2

June 21, 2020

I will deeply miss you on this, and all Father's days that are ahead.

Love you very much and enjoy all the great memories that I carry with me.

Love ya dad

June 9, 2020

I first met my new, next-door neighbor in 2005 - through his red truck sitting in his driveway. The license plate read, "Ho Ho." I thought, "Well, that's cute....???" A few days later when I was in my front yard, HOWARD came walking up to me. I looked up, saw his glowing, smiling from ear-to-ear face, very white Santa Claus beard, wearing a Hawaiian-style shirt with little Santa Clauses surfing the waves printed all over it. At that very moment, I GOT IT! (The license plate!) I just started laughing out loud and Howard smiled. He knew, too, that I just "got it!"

He was a very kind, dear man and wonderful neighbor. What I loved most was every time we parted ways, he always said, "Bless you!" instead of "good bye." I DID feel blessed every time he said that to me. I know that he blessed many people with his Christian love and sharing himself as Santa Claus. (The best looking Santa I've ever seen!) I will miss him. Rest well in the loving arms of Jesus, Ho Ho Howard!

May 26, 2020

My husband Clay and I met Howard at Grace Fellowship. We enjoyed his booming voice behind us during the song service. He and Jan were a loving part of our fellowship. Wednesday night potluck and Bible study were always special. Even though he was not at the top of his game physically, he served on our Board of Directors and offered wise advice. I'll cherish a photo of me with him in his Santa suit. We're sad to see him go, but know that Santa finally met the babe in the manger in person. Jan, we love you. Let us know of anything we can do.

May 24, 2020

We moved to Dallas twenty something years ago from south Texas. I was within a year of my Walk to Emmaus and through the local church I found an Emmaus reunion group to join. Howard attended his Walk about that time and joined our reunion group the second or third time we met. The restaurant where we were meeting announced that they were closing for renovations. Howard, of course, knew someone that owned a place where we could meet for breakfast weekly. That was Chubby's in Plano and we met there for several years. Breakfast with Howard was where I learned that some people had grits with their butter and the response to the question: "How do you want your eggs cooked?" of "I don't care how you cook 'em, just cook 'em til their hard!" was immortalized. The attendance at that reunion group ebbed and flowed over the years and we met in several locations. I looked forward to that Tuesday morning every week for over twenty years. Howard shepherded so many new Emmaus pilgrims in those years. I have lost count of the number of Emmaus and Crystalis walks we served on. Even when Howard was not actually on the team, he and Jan were cooking brisket or helping in many other ways on many walks. I have also lost count of the number of different churches where Howard and I cooked pancakes on Saturday morning for bunches of hungry caterpillars. Howard had so many health issues over the years that were serious, but were overcome I am sure by his strong faith and his belief that God was not through with him yet. I will miss my friend Howard; but, I have to smile and hope that Jesus had a strong back when Howard came running into Heaven and leaped into his arms! Farewell my friend; until we meet again!

May 24, 2020

I'll never forget the moment I heard Craig say, "My mom is an Angel and my stepdad is Santa Claus." I had two thoughts in that moment 1) how sweet, he loves his Mom! and 2) what?! A few months after that conversation, I met Howard, tried on that heavy Santa Coat and participated in the Christmas tradition of ridiculous present wrapping. Howard always had a joke, a conversation starter, and sentiments of love no matter what the situation. We will miss him dearly and keep his memory alive with the Magic of "HoHo" in the memory of our son, his grandson, Beau.

May 23, 2020

Branson Was My Dear Friend, ex-Brother In Law And The Father Of Eric And Matthew Yonce. My Memories Of Him Shall Live In My Heart Forever, With A Hope Of Our Meeting Again In Heaven.

May 23, 2020

Howard has been a friend of the family for over 30 years. Fond memories my kids riding on Santa's float in the Plano Christmas parade. Remembering the joy on our grandkids faces as they were sitting on his lap for Christmas pictures.
Will never forget when our grandson Reagan's teacher called my daughter and was very concerned that Reagan was telling everyone that Santa went to his church. She was thinking that Julie needed to know and handle it. Julie replied well he does go to our church!!!
Howard came over to our house and prayed with Marcia over her cancer, he was convinced he could help. I hope he knows, she just had second scan in a row that was clear of cancer after 2 years
We know God has a use for one of the most giving, caring, Christian we know and one heck of a great friend
Jan we pray for you, you made a tremendous support person for the Howard/Jan team.
Good bye ole friend

May 22, 2020

It is with great emotion that Judy and Jere Anderson found the notice in the paper today. Howard was one of a kind. A perpetual symbol of Christmas and a true friend and great Christian. Jan we are so sorry to read of is passing.
May God blessings and comforts be with you and all the friends and family.

May 22, 2020

Ellen and I offer our sympathy to the entire Yonce family. I grew up 3 blocks from Branson and I've known him since the 1st grade at Central Elementary School through Rock Hill High School. He was a true gentleman. Reading his obituary confirmed what a great husband and father he was which was no surprise. Please accept our sincere prayers for God's comfort and strength for for family.

May 22, 2020

Dear Jan & Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Howard's passing. He seemed to be larger than life. Y'all have been such a vital part of our congregation at Grace Fellowship. I really don't know what to say except we love you and we loved Howard. Please call on any of our family if you need or want anything.
With Love. The Dietzs and Bill Enloe

May 22, 2020

Jan and Family
Howard was such a devoted Christian man. He will truly be missed.
Love and Prayers for each of you,
Jo

May 22, 2020

One of life's mysteries will never be answered; was it chili dogs, BBQ from salt lick, or beef tips? My brother in Christ and I met at the snack table at the Walk to Emmaus. Within a week I was getting involved in Chrysalis...

We shared our journeys with sons, especially those struggling with addictions.

The joy, wisdom , humility and love he shared in bible studies and throughout so many lives,, especially children, was such a blessing.

Words seem so inadequate. A friend, a mentor, a brother in Christ, a Bible study partner and so much more. He has aided in my journey with Christ. A blessing that I shall cherish. I thank God for Jan and Howard and the ministry they are.

May 21, 2020

We have been blessed to have HoHo in our lives! He always brought us lots of laughs and smiles! He always kept us guessing and we never knew what surprises he had in store. We didn't get to see you all as much as we would have liked, but you are a special part of our lives. We have always been proud to say that we actually know Santa!!! How many can say that!? You are truly a loving and giving person and you will be missed by many! Thank you for the love and precious memories!
Lynn

May 21, 2020

Howard love you in life and death God has a beautiful person on his side helping teach and take care. Of people in need to get next to you and God love you

May 21, 2020

I guess I’ve known HoHo for about 20 years. We met during a Chrysalis event. He was awesome from the get go. I believed he was in charge of food bc one guy made a special request half joking but Howard made it so. My last memory of HoHo was after we got reconnected after several years apart he asked if he could come to my small group dressed as HoHo. He would turn that fine. He came in the back foot and the kids went crazy. What a great memory. That showed the unselfishness that is Howard Yonce. To top of his visit I was walking him out and he tripped over some yard ornament and went down hard. A friend yelled that I had killed Santa. HoHo got up and we had a little laugh. I’m going unto miss my brother in Christ, praying fir his family.

May 21, 2020

I've worked with Howard and Jan and their work with Plano Santas' food drive from Plano ISD since 2014. Howard was the epitome of Santa - such a compassionate, giving & funny person. Howard leaves such a wonderful legacy - my prayers for comfort for his family and friends.

May 21, 2020

I thought the words would come easier, you did so many wonderful things...but where do I start. I thought we had more time, your heart was so big...but it just couldn't keep up. The simplest of words may be best, thank you. Thank you for the love, for helping to raise me, for the pedestal you put my mom on. But I am most thankful for the unmeasurable amount of love and life you poured into your grandkids. You packed a lifetime of memories for them into a handful of years. You will never be forgotten, we will always be greatful, you will be forever missed.

Say your prayers HoHo, go to bed early!
Love Brad

May 20, 2020

Howard had a face that just lit up. He loved the Lord and spent his time serving and giving to those placed in his life. I had the privilege of working with Howard in the children's ministry at our church. It was a joy to see his love for each child in his class. They all knew their teacher loved and enjoyed them. He loved sharing the truths of God using a lot of creativity. Howard, thank you for giving me a wonderful testimony of what it looks like to serve the Lord with all that God gives you.

Praying for the family.

May 20, 2020

Howard (Branson, to me) was my first cousin...I will miss him sorely, partly because he sent me email jokes and news that wasn't so funny, but nearly every day, I checked to see what he'd sent. He was faithful to God, and also faithful to family. When a last remaining Aunt was ill, or even if we were celebrating her birthday, and surely when we celebrated his mother's birthday, he and Jan cared enough to make the long journey to SC to be with family, which was so much appreciated. By the way, that last remaining Aunt will be 97 in a few weeks, and I will be up to celebrate with her, but will not inform her of Branson's passing...No sadness for her now...I will be in prayer for Jan's health these next few months, as she adjusts to a new normal without her nearly lifelong partner. So glad there are 4 sons to check on her, and let me know if I can help in any way. We will plan on seeing Branson (Ho-Ho) in Heaven some day. Until then, Kathy

May 20, 2020

HoHo,

I was very unsure of entering a new family at the age of six, however it was very apparent all I needed was to meet my new grandfather, named HoHo with the most loving, electric, and giving personality to make me feel comfortable and loved. You and Jan welcomed me with open arms and I couldn’t help but be excited to become a new member of the family. HoHo you were always an answered prayer I never knew I needed. I will always cherish how important, loved, and special you always made me feel. I was so proud to be your little elf and eat countless Chick Fil A with you as we gathered toys. Still to this day I laugh at the very important lesson you taught me while being out in the cold, “The Chick Fil A Sandwhiches make for very good hand warmers”. WOW, you were my favorite person, you loved to make jokes, pull pranks on people, and laugh like no other just like I do. Your patience, compassion, and your love for the Lord was so inspiring if you didn’t believe, you wanted too. You were the best kind of leader, the one who was understanding and who genuinely wanted the best for anyone you ever spoke too. Thank you for allowing me to be your Elf. Thank you for trying to help convince my parents I needed a puppy for college. Thank you for being an inspiration, a teacher, a prankster, and thank you for simply just being you. I look forward to the day we reunite, I can’t wait to tell you everything I will accomplish. You always believed in me and I know you will be by me overstep of the way. To know you was to love you. Rest Easy HoHo, I love you forever and always.

May 20, 2020

“God gives us memory so that we might have roses in December”

I was honored to meet Howard five years ago. Full of life and love for all people, I worked alongside Howard and the Plano Santa team in providing toys and food for our communities most vulnerable families.
Each year I grew more connected to Howard and his infectious spirit for service and his love of God. It was that love that I will remember most and it is that love that assures me heaven is now filled with hearty “Ho Ho Ho’s" and all being encouraged to “say your prayers” before you go to sleep.

To the family:
Know that you are in our prayers and know “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”
Heaven is rejoicing, a true heavenly solider has come home.

Yvonne, Bill & Brent Booker

May 20, 2020

HoHo and Jan welcomed me into their family as a baby. Throughout my childhood I spent many years in their home and was treated as one of their own children. I remember when I was a little girl, HoHo would wow me with his Santa “magic” by making the traffic lights turn green at JUST the right moment. He taught me how to wrap presents at Christmas time, and how to be a good “elf”, but even more than that, how to be kind. How to keep giving. How to reach out to a person in need. He taught me that the grace of God was for everyone. He always carried little candy canes around in his pockets for people he met. That’s what made him special, the magic. I saw many eyes light up at the sight of him. Many honks at Santa on the freeway as we sped through traffic in his red Tahoe blasting gospel music. I am truly grateful for every moment that I was able to spend with him. He changed my life. He will be greatly missed by so many and thought about every single day. Hoho, I love you. I hope you will always be my guardian angel.

May 20, 2020

He will always be known to me as Santa
He was the true Saint Nicholas He was kind and funny and full of compassion
I met him through our church Creekwood serving was his passion He truly followed Micah 6:8 He truly walked humbly with God
I will sooo miss him In December I will miss his Santa hugs I will miss our little chats when he came to our church
Peace of Christ

May 20, 2020

I am so grateful to have met and been a part of HoHo's life. He welcomed me into the family with open arms and from that point on, always made me feel loved and appreciated. HoHo always was up to something, rather it was a prank or extending his love with a special gift. Every gift was always thoughtful. I will miss his poems that he wrote to express his thoughts. HoHo never was in a rush. He was present in EVERY conversation and would extend help at any time.

I'm thankful for the impact that he made on my daughter and son! Most thankful for him sharing the love of Jesus and that ALL things are possible.

What a legacy HoHo leaves behind. He touched so many lives with his love, patience, giving heart, sense of community. Most of all, his love for Jesus and how he shared with others. I have no doubt as he stands before the Lord that he will say "Well done, good and faithful servant"

I pray all that know HoHo will continue to live out life BIG and continue his work in the community.

I look forward to the day that we will be reunited again.

Love you forever and always!

May 20, 2020

I met the Yonce through employment and soon became a personal brotherly relationship. This was the first place where I had worked where we could openly pray and share our Christian values. Howard always had a sharing heart and always wanted to help the needy. Howard will long live in our memories. Today, he is in the presence of our Lord enjoying eternity! Gracias Howard por tu amistad (Thanks Howard for your friendship). Until we meet again we'll be "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed…" --Juan Velazquez

May 20, 2020

My memories of Howard are many but started when he and Jan led our church MYF and his involvement with Chrysalis. I was always amazed at how the youth gathered around him and he treated each one as they were special. He helped me in my christian growth and got me to see that I should not be shy about stepping forward in outreach to others. Thanks for being my friend. Mike

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Love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12

Walks on Beach little slower, but still in love 35 years later

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His Life

May 19, 2020

Howard Branson Yonce went to be with his Lord on May 17, 2020 peacefully in his sleep at this home in McKinney, Texas. He was born the son of and preceded by Howard Branson Yonce Sr and Helen Wingate Yonce of Rock Hill, South Carolina. Howard was a faithful husband for over 35 years to Janice Yonce and loving father to Eric and Matthew Yonce as well as stepfather to Brad Boklage and Craig Boklage.

He was a proud grandfather to Kayla Houser, Blake Boklage and Beau Boklage. He was of strong faith and loved the Lord as he was a devoted member of the Grace Fellowship Church of McKinney, Texas and he had a special place in his heart for Pastor Kirk Taylor. Howard spent his life trying to help as many people as he could through endless charitable work. Proudly known as “HoHo”, his work through Plano Santas brought so much joy to families and children in need, but more importantly created Christmas for so many families who would otherwise not have it. Howard was a kind hearted man who loved to help and encourage all those around him and he had a keen ability to create community wherever he went. He focused much of his life to helping children whether it be through his dedicated years of teaching Sunday school or simply putting a smile on a child’s face when handing out a candy cane.

He had an infectious sense of humor that he transferred to all he touched. He loved pranks and played them religiously on coworkers, friends and family. Howard loved playing golf and was known to sneak out of the office in early afternoons to carry out “meetings.”

Howard is survived by his wife, Janice Yonce, sons Eric and Matthew Yonce of Los Angeles, California and stepsons Brad Boklage of Frisco, Texas and Craig Boklage of Austin, Texas.

In support of our local, state, and federal govt including CDC directives and to protect the physical health, safety and well-being of our community, the service will be restricted to immediate family.

The service will also be video recorded and will be available following the service on facebook.com/TurrentineJacksonMorrow page.

Family and friends are invited to share memories, stories, pictures, and expressions of sympathy on this site.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to Plano Santas at the following link: https://planosantas.com/

ONE YEAR

May 17, 2021

My dear HoHo. It’s hard to believe it has been a year without you. This last year seemed so short, but most days seemed so long, like they would never end. Through this past year I have learned that your love will always be me. That grief never ends. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. It’s a place where all my memories have become treasures. It’s a place to keep and cherish all the memories I have locked in my heart. Like all the HoHo isims, the adventures, your great sense of humor and your huge heart full of love for all of us. And your pranks!
Yes, every day I miss my best friend, my husband and father to our 4 boys. I miss holding your hand and praying with you. I miss the walks on the beach. I miss you raising me up every day with your sweet words of compliments, a hug or just holding my hand while telling me you loved me. You always had a way of making me feel special and loved.
I thank you for the years of loving our boys, our sweet daughter in laws and our grandchildren.
Somehow you knew and you squeezed a lifetime of memories with us in a short time. We will always cherish the memories. I have learned that my grieving has not been a lack of faith or a sign of weakness. It has been a Price of Love. Grieving is when our hearts are so full of love, it overflows.
I posted some videosunder gallery, then video tab. Just a little of laughs and pranks by HoHo. I’ll be looking for more to post. Great memories for a lifetime!

I miss you and love you HoHo
Love,
Your Angel

December 22, 2020

Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of my boyhood friend, Branson. We were in school together in Rock Hill, SC for many years. We both grew up with parents that loved us dearly and gave us all that they could afford. I remember my mom buying an Electrolux vacuum cleaner from Branson’s dad who was the local Electrolux salesman, and whowas a hard working guy. Anyway, may God bless your family as you continue to remember the wonderful life of Branson.

Alton Robbins

Married to Santa

August 25, 2020

Married to Santa HoHo

Shared by Jan Yonce on May 20, 2020

I’ve lost my best friend and husband of almost 36 years. He went to sleep and woke up up in the arms of Jesus very peacefully on Sunday morning. Even though we both had made it through some very difficult health issues in January, it ended up that we were each other’s life savers in this time of our crise. Another step in our lives that brought us even closer. We both knew God brought us together for a reason, but Howard always joked and said “he wondered what I did to make God mad when He put us together”. I called him my HoHo and he called me his Angel. We have always tried to put God first in our marriage. I will miss our nightly hand holding prayer time just before falling to sleep. I swore sometimes Howard had a long distance connection to God. I always said Howard was “An adventure waiting to happen”. I never knew what idea he was going to come up with next. I wouldn’t have changed him at all. But, instead I would say, what have you volunteered me for? And you want to do what? Plano Santa’s is a great example. I heard his idea and 25 years later, with his idea it has helped thousands of families and tens of thousands of children at Christmas. I am so glad I was a part of this adventure. As a friend and a husband, he helped me reach beyond my comfort zone many times. Be it helping with a Sunday School or being Mrs Claus. I am most greatful for him taking me by the hand and helping me grow with my Bible studies and bringing me closer with my walk in Christ. This is what has given me strength through all the years with his many heart issues. And it has helped sustain me through the past few days. I know I will be ok without him even though I will be miss him so much. As I told my grandson yesterday, “just remember, you will always have Memories of HoHo in your heart”. As HoHo,s final message to thekids as he was leaving, “Go to bed early and say your prayers”. We love you HoHo.

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