Howell Holmes Gwin, Jr.

Dr. Gwin was a brilliant professor and a great friend. I took as many history classes from him as possible. His storytelling kept my attention like few people could do, and his genuine love of history and concern for his students made him much more than just a professor who shared knowledge. Years after I graduated from Lamar, I reconnected with Dr. Gwin and also got to know his lovely wife Elizabeth. Antonio and I had a few dinners with them during the past several years when we were in town for Lamar’s homecoming games. I will always remember the lessons he taught me inside and outside the classroom.

Such a kind soul.

My sincerest sympathies go to his wonderful wife and family, and so many others who saw him as family.

Throughout life you can usually only count true friends on one hand. Howell has been one of my true friends for over 40 years. We flew RC airplanes together years ago with much fun. He was probably the wittiest guy I have ever known. Couple of weeks ago he was so looking forward to seeing his new students at Lamar. He was talking how he was going to intimate them. I told him no that they will eventually see he is more bark than bite. Will definitely miss you ole friend.

Rip howell you will be missed.

Dr. Gwin was the most fantastic storyteller and historian. ISometimes, I would find that I had stopped taking notes and I was just listening. I took every course he taught and then when I went back for my masters, he was the Dean of Graduate Studies and he still remembered me.

Dr. Gwin was the most fantastic storyteller and historian. ISometimes, I would find that I had stopped taking notes and I was just listening. I took every course he taught and then when I went back for my masters, he was the Dean of Graduate Studies and he still remembered me.

Deepest condolences to the Gwinn family. Professor Gwin was among my most favorite and inspirational teachers. I vividly remember being his student in World Civ almost fifty years ago. He left an enduring, positive influence on me as he did on countless others.

I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Gwin's World History class at Lamar University in 1970. He was very knowledgeable, interesting, and brought lots of amusing facts into his lectures. I also enjoyed talking with him after class. He is one of my fondest memories of my time at Lamar.

I took Dr. Gwin's "Classical Civilization" course the first semester he taught at Lamar. A newly minted PhD, Dr. Gwin presented the material with mastery and much enthusiasm. I still chuckle when I recall a couple of his witticisms.

With deepest sympathy to Dr. Gwin's family and friends,

Carol Achenbach Corbin

Donna and I send our condolences to the family. I'll especially miss Howell's witty comments on FaceBook. Over the years, several students came into my office asking about their history exams. Maybe they thought my beard had grown magically overnight.