Homer Vance Howell

HOMER VANCE HOWELL, 84, of Beaumont, Texas passed away Saturday, April 12, 2003 in his home after a lengthy battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne; sister, Jean Sue Howell Sloan and her husband, Dr. Charles Sloan of Dallas; daughters, Kit Ohmstede of Beaumont, Pat Howell of Houston, Betty Southerland and her husband Robb of Austin. His grandchildren are Will Ohmstede, Jr. and fiancé Ronna Braselton of Corpus Christi, Chris Howell Ohmstede of Beaumont, Jocelyn Duncan Potts of Austin, Anne Duncan Schniederjan and husband Jerame of Amarillo, William Duncan of Austin, Ashley Southerland of Austin; and great-granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Potts of Austin. He always did "the right thing"„for family, community and country. Before God and his fellow man, Homer Howell earned his place in Heaven and in the hearts of those who knew him well. Memories of Homer by those who loved him, and those who had the privilege of knowing him, will never be lost. He helped many and asked little. To everyone, Homer Howell was a gentleman of the old school, well educated, ever courteous, kind, and accepted his responsibilities with commitment. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, July 20, 1918, to Mary Elizabeth McConnico and Homer Harrison Howell, he was raised and educated through high school in Beaumont. His first college enrollment was to Baylor University at the age of 15. After mistaking a University Dean for a student and dunking him with a water balloon, Homer decided Vanderbilt University had more to offer. At Vanderbilt, he was President of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and selected to membership in Omicron Delta Kappa, a national honorary scholastic and leadership fraternity. He graduated in 1941, with honors. In October, 1942, he married Mary Anne Stedman; for sixty years he touted the occasion as the smartest decision he ever made. Prior to Pearl Harbor, Homer learned to fly airplanes; he was a born pilot. After the Japanese air attack, Homer joined the Navy Air Force and spent the duration of the war as a Navy carrier fighter pilot and instructor in the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. Howell Lumber Company, later called Builders Discount House, was founded, owned and operated by Homer for 35 years. Homer was the first in his industry to operate a cash-and-carry lumber business. With partners, he developed the Mary Howell residential sub-division and the Lake Forrest sub-division, where he built his family's home and lived for 42 years. Homer Howell never lost sight of his family, customers, and community, ever keeping his priorities of life in order. He led by example. As a disciple of Christ, he gained his wings in Heaven and on earth by doing, teaching, but not preaching. He was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church and served on its vestry as both Junior and Senior warden through the years. He was also a long time trustee of St. Mark's Foundation. In 1949, he was elected to the Board of the Beaumont Independent School District and was the youngest member, at that time, to serve on the Board. In later years, he served on the All Saints Episcopal School Board and was its President for two years. He was named King of the Neches River Festival in 1983. The list of community accomplishments and positions held by Homer is long, very long. As he might put it: boringly long. Music, singing, hunting with his friends and family, food (with gravy), animals, flying and travel„these were the pleasures of Homer's life. And his pleasures and humor were contagious to those around him. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Joe Kong and staff, Socorra Inglesias, and Hospice of Texas. A very special thanks from "Unk" to his nephew, Dan Howell, for his constant thoughtfulness and care. Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Charlie Adkins, Joe Broussard, Russ Chase, Dr. Hal Clarke, Dr. Josh Esslinger, John Green, Bob Hansen, Marvin Park, Dr. Joe Reeves, Smythe Shepherd, Floyd Smith, Moodye Williamson and Jim Yarborough. A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church Wednesday, April 16 at 1:00 p.m. under the direction of Broussard's, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A visitation will follow in the Cloister Room of the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mark's Garden Fund, 680 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77702 or All Saints Episcopal School, 4108 Delaware, Beaumont, Texas 77706. BROUSSARD'S MORTUARY Beaumont, TX., 409-832-1621