Lewis Frank Howard

Lewis Frank Howard, a dedicated family man, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2024, at the age of 79. He was born December 22, 1944, in Hamilton, Texas to Elzie Chandler and Leila Mae (Harvey) Howard. 

Growing up, Dad was a traditional Texas country boy. He enjoyed riding his horses, fishing, track, FFA, rodeos, baseball and football. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1962 and was stationed at NAS Miramar in California.

His charm, southern accent, captivating smile and good looks caught the eyes of countless California girls. But “Tex” only had eyes for one, Diana Marie Olson. Diana’s parents took an immediate liking to Tex, but it took a little longer for Diana to be smitten.

Mom and Dad married May 29, 1965. Throughout their marriage, the military took them across the United States, and he deployed countless times, including five tours during Vietnam.

Dad had an incredible work ethic and a deep love and appreciation for God, his country, family and education. He displayed this through his devotion to his church, his military service, proudly flying an American flag, putting his family above everything and obtaining college degrees throughout his life. 

To ensure he spent more time with his growing family, Dad declined a job with the Blue Angels, a decision he never regretted. He believed Texas was God’s country and the family settled here prior to his retirement from the U.S. Navy as a chief. 

Dad loved his guns, working on cars and rebuilding (fast) engines. The bigger and faster, the better. You could always count on Dad to wake his five children up early on Saturday mornings to teach us how to change tires, change the oil, “hold the flashlight” or do yard work. 

After Mom and Dad retired, they spent their time traveling and visiting their children and grandchildren. However, Dad’s favorite place to be was at home in Texas, with the love of his life, Diana, watching Gunsmoke.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Elzie and Leila Mae; his brother, Elzie Jr.; and two daughters, April Howard Hall and Elizabeth Howard.

Dad is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Diana (Olson) Howard of Beeville; and their three children, Lewis (Juana) Howard Jr. of Kingsville, Chris (Krista) Howard of Rigby, Idaho and Suzanne (Kerry) Short of Rexburg, Idaho; and a brother, Glenn Howard of Hamilton. Dad was blessed with nine grandchildren, Ashley, Lewis, Dakota, Julianna, Christopher, Neva, Heath, Austin and Gabe; and six great-grandchildren, Isabella, Evan, Greyson, Blaize, Sophie and Levee.

Our family is sincerely grateful for those who attended to our father on November 24. A special thank you to Dr. Larakers and his staff for caring for our Dad over the years. The outpouring of love from this community has been humbling. Thank you.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, November 30, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home in Beeville. The funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, December 2, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with burial at 2 o’clock that afternoon at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi. President David Jones will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Lewis Howard Jr., Chris Howard, Kerry Short, Christopher Howard, Austin Howard and Gabriel Short.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Lewis Howard III, Dakota Howard, Heath Howard and Blaize Howard.