Howard Wolf

1935 - 2025

Howard Wolf
01/09/1935 - 04/11/2025
William Howard Wolf Sr., known affectionately to family and friends as Howard, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of professional excellence, public service, creativity, and unforgettable stories. He was 90 years old.
Born on January 9, 1935, in Iraan, Texas, and raised in McCamey, Howard was the proud son of William "Willie" Wolf and Anna Ross Wolf, and was predeceased by both. He deeply cherished his diverse heritage as the child of a Russian/Polish Jewish father and a Scotch/Irish and Cherokee Indian Presbyterian mother-an identity that informed his values, his worldview, and his legendary storytelling. Like his father Willie, Howard was a gifted raconteur, captivating generations with his wit, warmth, and wisdom.
At McCamey High School, Howard's brilliance and leadership were evident early on-captain of the football team, president of his senior class, and an Eagle Scout. He went on to attend The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned both his BBA and Doctor of Jurisprudence with honors. While there, he served as President of the University of Texas Student Government.
During his time at the University of Texas, Howard earned widespread respect and admiration for both his academic excellence and his tireless service to the university community. He was inducted into the Friars Society, the university's most distinguished honorary society. He was also a member of the Silver Spurs, a prestigious service organization known for supporting university spirit and tradition. While in law school, Howard was elected to the Order of the Coif for graduating at the top of his class and served as an associate editor of The Texas Law Review.
Following law school, Howard served his country in the military. He joined the Texas Air National Guard in 1959 and later transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve, where he served as a First Lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General's Corps. He was promoted to Captain in 1963 and honorably discharged in 1965.
Professionally, Howard had a distinguished legal career, spending over four decades with the international law firm Fulbright & Jaworski (now known as Norton Rose Fulbright).
When Howard joined Fulbright in 1959, fresh out of law school, he became the first lawyer of Jewish descent hired by one of the top five major law firms in Houston. In an era when antisemitism quietly yet powerfully shaped the city's professional circles, his hiring sent a strong and resonant message. Word spread quickly through Houston's legal community, and in the years that followed, other leading firms began opening their doors to Jewish attorneys as well. Howard's career not only broke barriers-it helped reshape the landscape of the legal profession in Houston.
He was a trusted advisor on major corporate, financial, and international matters, and served on the boards of numerous public and private companies, as well as charitable institutions including Texas International Airlines (a predecessor to United Airlines), Lifemark Corp., Stewart & Stevenson, Nabors Industries and the Texas Medical Center's Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research.
Howard also maintained a lifelong fascination with the aviation industry, sparked early in his career through his work with Texas International Airlines and its successor, Continental Airlines. His involvement continued as he served as Chairman and board member of Bristow Helicopters, helping to transform it into the world's largest commercial helicopter operator. Later in life, he co-founded Lobo Leasing, a global helicopter leasing company, which reflected both his entrepreneurial spirit and his enduring love of aviation.
His service to the State of Texas included appointments by Governor Rick Perry and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst to various reform and advisory commissions.
In recognition of his lifelong contributions to justice, equity, and public service, Howard received numerous honors. Among them were the Trailblazer Award from the Austin chapter of the Anti-Defamation League, honoring his commitment to civil rights and community leadership, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Texas School of Law Alumni Association, celebrating his extraordinary professional legacy and service to the legal community.
Howard married the love of his life, Glenys Ann Wolff, on October 16, 1989, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their marriage was a true partnership, marked by shared joy, adventure, and a deep, enduring love.
Howard's passion for storytelling was matched by his love for history, art, and craftsmanship. He was a devoted collector of antique toys and built a vast and meticulous collection of antique scale model railroad equipment. One of his most beloved projects was creating a detailed model railroad diorama-an homage to the West Texas landscapes of his boyhood.
Another of Howard's endeavors was Number Four St James, a company he referred to as his "love letter to Texas." The name, a subtle and clever reference to the former London address of the Embassy of the Republic of Texas to the United Kingdom, was a testament to his knowledge, humor, and affection for the Lone Star State and was dedicated to celebrating Texas history, culture, and cuisine.
Howard is survived by his beloved wife Glenys and his five children: Gail Wolf Orr, Bill Wolf, Ian Wolf, Everett Wolf, and Elliot Wolf; and his six grandchildren: Robert Orr, Matthew Orr, Caroline Orr, Ashley Wolf, Will Wolf and Bennett Wolf. He is also survived by his older sister, Beatrice Wolf, and his niece, Lesley Gaspar. He will be remembered for his immense intellect, gentle strength, generous spirit, and the stories he shared that will continue to be retold and treasured by those who loved him.
A celebration of life will be held in the fall. If you would like more information please contact a member of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (tirrfoundation.org) or a charitable organization of your choice in Howard's memory.