Jack Wesley Howard Jr.

After fighting a good fight, Jack W. Howard Jr., 69, of Pasadena, Texas finally succumbed to his illnesses on Sept. 4. Services for Jack will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 12:30 p.m., immediately followed by a reception.

Jack was born on Oct. 16, 1948 in Ft. Monroe, Virginia, however he got to Texas as quick as he could.

In 1969, Jack enlisted with the Army National Guard, and was soon thereafter selected for officer candidate school, which he completed in 1971. Several of Jack’s accomplishments included being a member of the Armored Cavalry, was a certified Marksman, and Airborne qualified supporting the 82nd Airborne. He held positions as Tank Commander, Platoon Leader and Executive Officer for the 124th Cavalry and 143rd Infantry Divisions. Jack frequently trained with the Army Rangers and Israeli Special Forces. In 1975, he exited the Army National Guard with the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

After spending over 30 years in the natural gas industry, Jack retired in 2016. He was proficient enough in his job to sustain employment during various industry challenges and acquisitions, including Houston Natural Gas, Southern Union Gas, Florida Gas and Transmission, and Enron. Jack had the respect and appreciation of his customers, peers and superiors as a result of his professionalism, knowledge and experience.

Growing up, Jack worked for his family’s restaurant, The Manhattan Café in Gonzales, Texas. Upon the death of his great uncle, Jack became more involved in the family’s ranch and went from part-time to full-time rancher in the late 1970s. The well-known and well-respected 6H Ranch located in Belmont, Texas, included 800 acres and contained 350-400 head of cattle. The ranch contained an abundance of pecan trees, for which friends, family and neighbors continually benefited from. Additionally, it was one of the first ranches to invest in improved grass in Gonzales County, currently the standard throughout Texas. Jack was proud of his family’s ranching lineage, tracing back to driving cattle on the Chisolm Trail.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Randi Howard; son, Josh Howard of Little Rock, Arkansas; step-son Daryl Roberts of Sedona, Arizona; step-daughter, Dyana Leteff and husband Daryl of Pearland, Texas; step-daughter Glyna McDowell and husband Jason of Huffman, Texas; sister Patty Korthauer of Brenham, Texas; sister Karen Husmann and husband David of Weimer, Texas; grandchildren Noah Roberts of Sedona, Arizona; Kaley Leteff and Ethan Leteff of Pearland, Texas; Lauren Garcia, Chris Garcia and Trevor McDowell of Huffman, Texas; along with numerous nephews, nieces, and other family and close friends. Jack is preceded in death by his father, Jack W. Howard Sr.; mother, Louis Howard; and brother, Bill Howard.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The American Cancer Society.