Howard Alsobrook McKissack

1933 - 2016

McKissack HOWARD ALSOBROOK MCKISSACK Died peacefully at his home in Mandeville, Louisiana on Monday, April 25, 2016. Loving husband of Kay Capella McKissack, he was the father of David McKissack (Gail Gulbenkian), Ken McKissack, Jenny McKissack Moss, Sally McKissack and Kathleen Mary McKissack. He was preceded in death by his son Robert McKissack. Howard was also blessed with five grandchildren: John and Christine Suffredini and Andrew, Morgan and Lillian Lauck. He is survived by one sister, Betty Sue McKissack of Bolton, Mississippi Born on June 21, 1933 in Bolton, Mississippi to Vera Howard and Robert McKissack, Howard attended elementary and junior high schools in Bolton and finished high school at Hinds Junior Community College where he continued to take college courses while playing basketball and baseball. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. Returning to civilian life, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering at LSU and later in his career, completed an executive MBA program at the University of Indiana. Howard began his career with Texas Gas Company, serving in both Shreveport and in Houston, Texas. He later joined Stone Petroleum Corporation in Lafayette, Louisiana where he served as Vice-President of the Land and Legal departments for 16 years. After retiring from Stone, he continued his work as an independent investor in oil and gas exploration through his company KECCO, Inc. He enjoyed playing golf, traveling, participating in all sporting events and serving on various committees of the Republican Party at both the local and national levels. An active member of the United Methodist Church, he served in various capacities at both Asbury United Methodist Church in Lafayette, and at St. Timothy United Methodist Church on the Northshore in Mandeville. He served as an usher, as a volunteer with the hungry and homeless in New Orleans and with various mission teams. He participated in many bible study groups and especially enjoyed teaching Bible study through prison ministry. Howard will be remembered as a kind and faithful friend, who did his best to love and serve the Lord and his fellow man. His gentle spirit will be missed by family, friends and all who were privileged to know him. Funeral services will be held on Friday April 29th at St. Timothy United Methodist Church on the Northshore, 335 Asbury Drive, Mandeville, Louisiana 70471. Visitation at the church will be held at 10:00 am followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Howard's name may be made to the St. Timothy UMC - Memory Garden for maintenance of those sacred grounds or, to your preferred charity.