Jefferson Davis "Beak" Howell Jr.

1939 - 2025

Lieutenant General Jefferson Davis "Beak" Howell Jr. (Marine Corps, Ret) of Bee Cave, Texas, former NASA Johnson Space Director and devoted grandfather, father and husband, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, at the age of 85.

Beak was born in 1939 in Victoria, Texas to Jefferson Davis Howell and Harriet Henrietta Hornburg. He was a 4th generation Texan and graduated from the University of Texas in 1961 and from the University of Texas Graduate School in 1970 (Distinguished Graduate). While in school, he was active in the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity before embarking on an illustrious 37-year career in the Marine 'Corps.

He joined the Marine Corps on a dare from a fraternity brother, and upon completion of OCS in 1962 he served as a platoon leader at Camp Pendleton, CA. He was selected for flight training in 1964, and as a naval aviator he flew over 300 combat missions in Vietnam. He commanded at every level - Squadron (VMFA-212), Group (MAG-24), Wing (2D MAW) and culminated his Command Tours as the Commanding General, Marine Forces Pacific. Other tours of duty included the U.S. Naval Academy, Marine Corps HQ in Washington DC, and NATO Northern Command HQ in Oslo, Norway. His awards include: the Air Medal, 2 individual and 25 Strike Flight Awards, Bronze Star Medal with Combat V, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. In addition, he was awarded the Navy League's John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership while Commanding VMFA- 212.

Upon retiring from military service in 1998, he was a Senior Vice President at SAIC from 1999 to 2002. From 2002 to 2005, he served as the Center Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center where he guided the agency through challenging times following the Columbia disaster. He earned NASA's Outstanding Leadership Award (2003) and Distinguished Service Medal (2005). From 2006 he served as an Adjunct Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas. He taught multiple courses including leadership, not only on campus at UT but around the globe. His selfless service to his country knew no bounds. Beak will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, inspirational leadership, and commitment to excellence.

Beak is survived by his wife, Janel Crutchfield Howell, son Jefferson Davis Howell III (Beth), daughter Melissa Jane Howell Strubbe (Steve), and grandchildren Colton, Teegan, and Beckett Howell, and Wolfgang and Johann Strubbe.

Beak will be remembered by his family as someone who pursued his dreams, and lived a great life surrounded by people he loved. Beak loved the Marine Corps, God, the Texas Longhorns, and his family - though the ranking of those might spark some friendly debate. Beak never missed an opportunity to tell a good story, and he always welcomed an audience with a smile. His generous heart, quick wit, and joyful spirit will be missed more than words can say.

Services will be held August 1, 2025, 10 a.m., at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas. Texas casual or aloha attire, please. Any remembrance donations can be made to the Semper Fi Fund and Tunnels to Towers Foundation.