Thomas Howe

1939 - 2025

Thomas Howe
08/05/1939 - 08/18/2025
Thomas Lee Howe took his final earthly breath in the early morning hours of August 18, 2025, at the age of 86. Tom, as he was known to most, was fond of cheering on the Houston Astros and remembering his days in the saddle.
Tom spent 4 years in the U.S. Navy as a radio/teletype operator, entering service at age 16. During his time in the Navy, he was stationed along the West Coast, where, in between his duties, he found time to drag race his 1949 Mercury. He would spend the rest of his life wishing he still had that car. He faced some challenging experiences in the post-Korean War era, serving aboard the USS Shangri-La CVA-38.
Soon after his discharge from the Navy, "Tommy Lee" was recruited to join in the early stages of what would become NASA. He worked in several different positions over his 35 years at NASA, initially as a teletype/crypto operator, then as a Communications Specialist designing and installing telecommunications systems, telephone systems, air to ground systems, conference systems, and hand held radio systems; next as a Liaison Officer for all communications companies at Johnson Space Center (JSC); eventually retiring as Facility Manager, in charge of all buildings at JSC and Ellington AFB. He was also responsible for safe visitations by all manner of dignitaries who visited JSC, from U.S. Presidents, Governors, and Mayors, to foreign dignitaries, including the Queen of England. He was also in charge of the Astronaut returns, following missions, at Ellington AFB.
During the early 1960s, Tom married for the first time and became a father to his first child, Lauren Charisse. Tom bought a small ranch in Rosharon, TX, and used it to raise cows and horses over the years. He also started his epic collection of exotic cowboy boots. In the mid-1970s, Tom welcomed his son, Stephen Scott, with his second wife and continued working at JSC and living the ranch life that he loved. In 1989, Tom met his fifth and final wife, Maggie, whom he married in 1994. Tom managed to keep the anniversary of their first date, their wedding, and Maggie's birthday all on the same day. Maggie and Tom were married for 31 years. Shortly after marrying, the mountains of New Mexico called, and Maggie and Tom moved there, just outside of Estancia. They designed their dream log home, surrounded by cattle and mountains. Never one to rest on his laurels, or at all, Tom quickly found himself with a second career working at Eastview Hardware for more than 12 years, where he got the chance to meet and get to know the better part of the Estancia Valley.
Tom was a very active member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for 63 years. He was active with the Calf Scramble Committee and helped found the Scramble Greeters Committee. Tom was the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Honorary Chairman of the Scramble Greeters Committee for several years. He organized yearly banquets attended by Presidents, Senators, Mayors, well-known performing artists, and other dignitaries. He continued in dedicated service every February and March for many years as a Calf Scramble Committeeman, working the arena floor during rodeos, serving as a liaison between Calf Scramble sponsors and the Livestock Show, and organizing the arrival of participants and show cows for judging events at the Livestock Show, eventually being granted lifetime status for his countless hours of devoted volunteer time.
Tom rarely met a stranger in his life. He was quick to strike up a conversation with whomever he encountered, and they would often be laughing together by the end of the conversation. His final place of employment was his local Walmart, where he served as a Greeter and also worked in Security.
Tom is survived by his wife, Maggie; children, Lauren (Julian), Stephen (Geran); stepchildren, Ellen (Josh), David (Monse), Nicholas (Rachel); 12 grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and a godson, Anthony (Destiny); and many loving friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Charles, parents-in-law Scott and Frances, brother-in-law George, and second wife, Joanna.
Tom didn't like turning into an old man because it slowed him down and gave him all sorts of medical issues. We loved him despite his rough edges, and we knew that he loved us, too. He will be missed greatly. In lieu of flowers, consider buying a lottery scratcher or two, going out to your favorite restaurant, and giving an extra generous tip to your server in honor of Tom.
Arrangements entrusted to American Heritage Funeral Home, Houston Texas. Funeral services will be held on Sept 12, 2025, beginning at 10am, with a military ceremony at the Houston National Cemetery.