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Crystal Jan “Jan” Howe

Crystal Jan Howe
1948 – 2026

Crystal Jan “Jan” Howe, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by her three children. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Jan lived a life grounded in faith, family, and friendship.

Jan was born on December 21, 1948, in Borger, Texas, to J. Floyd Howe and Glenna Howe.  She graduated from Panhandle High School and spent most of her life in Panhandle, a community she deeply loved. Jan’s life reflected her relationship with Jesus. She prioritized faith and family above all else and was known for her handwritten notes, often underlining meaningful thoughts she wanted others to remember. Her warmth and care extended far beyond her immediate family. Her favorite scripture, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24), reflected the joyful faith she carried throughout her life.

Her greatest joy in life was her family and friends. She is survived by her three children: Melissa (Downs) Estrada and spouse Joe, Jamie Downs and spouse Karen, and Cody Murray and spouse Lisa. She was a proud “Meme” to Rachel (Estrada) Edgar and spouse Colby, Grant Estrada and Megan, Sydnie (Downs) Bonin, Keagan Downs, Lizzie Estrada and fiancé Brayden Keeter, Christopher, Jayden, and Cambria. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Theo and Oak Bonin. Jan is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Johnny Ed Howe and Jay Ray Howe; and her great-grandson, Copeland “Strength” Edgar.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Panhandle, Texas. Burial will follow in Panhandle Cemetery under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Panhandle. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the funeral home.

Jan’s legacy of faith, love, and devotion to Christ will live on in all who knew her. Her life was a beautiful testament to the strength found in a relationship with Jesus and the joy of loving others well.

Special thanks to her family, lifelong friends and to BSA Hospice of the Southwest for being by our side during this time.