Bill R. Howard, 70, of Port Neches went to be with his Lord on Friday, March 5, 2004 at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.
Bill was born August 26, 1933, in Center, TX, the son of Joel and Margaret Lawson Howard. Following graduation from high school, Bill attended Sam Houston State University where he had been granted a full baseball scholarship. He played second base on the varsity baseball team for four years, was Captain of the team his senior year and named to the All-Lone Star Conference Team in 1954. After receiving a BBA degree in 1955, he spent the next two years in the U. S. Army.
Bill came to Port Arthur in 1957 where he started his career with Texaco. At his retirement in 1995, he was Coordinator of Benefits in the Human Resources Department at the Port Arthur Plant.
Through his years in this area, his community involvements included serving as President of the Groves Lions Club, life-time member of Texas Lions League for Crippled Children, Chairman of the Miss Mid-Jefferson County Pageant, Coordinator of Texaco Junior Achievement Program, Industrial Coordinator of the United Way Campaign, membership in the Sabine-Neches Personnel Association, coach of Babe Ruth Baseball teams, and member of the Board of Directors of the Texaco Community Federal Credit Union.
To Bill, the most fulfilling area of his service was serving his Lord as a member of the First Christian Church of Port Arthur. There he served in numerous capacities throughout his thirty-year membership, including Chairman of the Official Board and Chairman of the Board of Elders. Most importantly, Bill enjoyed fellowship with his church family, especially the Crusaders Sunday School Class, greeting each person with that familiar, warm smile that showed his inner spiritual joy.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Margaret Lawson Howard and his beloved sister, Joann Howard Cannon. His survivors include his wife, Linda Richardson Howard, daughter Shannon Howard Jones and husband Troy Jones, and his six-year-old grandson Jacob Howard Jones, who gave him so much joy. Jacob and his “Gee-Dad” had a special bond and spent many happy hours playing in the nearby park and practicing Jacob’s baseball swing.
Funeral services for Bill will be held Monday, March 8, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church of Port Arthur, 5856 9th. Ave., with Reverend Bill Hauck and Dr. Neil Lindley officiating. Interment and graveside services will follow at 3:30 pm at the Oak Lawn Cemetery in Center, TX. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5-8 pm Sunday, March 7 at Broussard’s Mortuary 505 12th. St. Nederland, TX.
Pallbearers will be Donald Cravey, Bill Cogswell, Charles Lunsford, John Culbertson, Ed Andrews, and Pat Higgs. Honorary pallbearers will be the elders of First Christian Church.
Bill was an inspiration to many during his long courageous fight with cancer. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Texas Oncology Group and the staff at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital for the wonderful care and devotion during his illness. The family is also eternally grateful to the many friends who expressed their love and caring in so many ways; two long-time friends for whom they are especially thankful for their untiring devotion are Donald Cravey and Anne Mazzu.
For those desiring Memorial Contributions may be directed to the First Christian Church, 5856 9th. Ave. Port Arthur, TX 77642 or the Linda Richardson Howard Scholarship at Stephen F. Austin State University.