Art was born December 24, 1944 in Port Arthur, Texas and went to be with The Lord on October 16, 2021 following an unexpected complication from cardiac bypass surgery 5 days prior. Art graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, TX in 1963, Hardin Simmons University in 1967 and subsequently accepted a commission in the U.S. Army, which led him from Abilene, Texas to Augusta, Georgia, Lawton, Oklahoma and Donsdorf Germany. After his discharge from the Army, he accepted a position as a Respiratory Therapist at the V.A. Hospital in Temple, Texas and transferred to the V.A. Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1973 where he lived until recently. In the early 1980’s Art left the V.A. Hospital for a sales position with National Medical Specialties. He worked for them until his retirement in the late 90’s. Art married Donna Joan Tow on December 29, 1966. They had a wonderful life and raised 2 children together. They were married for 47 years and enjoyed traveling and exploring new places together until Donna’s death in 2014. In 2017 Art met Becky Rounsavall and because of her was able to experience a renewed excitement about life, love and the future. Art and Becky were married on February 3, 2018.
Proceeding Art in death was his first wife, Donna Joan Howard and his father Arthur Stewart Howard. He is survived by his mother Katherine McBride Howard of Shreveport, Louisiana, his wife Becky Howard of Oden, Arkansas, his daughter Heather Howard Basinger and husband Dr. Brian Basinger of Shreveport, Louisiana and his son Trevor Clayton Howard and wife Danielle Summers Howard of Tallahassee, Florida. Grandchildren are Caleb Dolin Basinger, Carson Howard Basinger and Cameron Altom Basinger. Step grandchildren include Aiden James Kagy, Taylor Grace Kagy and Gracyn Faith Kagy. He is survived by his brothers Aubrey Howard and wife Judy of Arlington, Texas, Kenny Howard and wife Janis of Port Arthur, Texas, Rodney Howard of Beaumont, Texas and a sister Tamara Van Slyke of Mcminnville, Oregon as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving Art are his sister-in-law Jana Tow Aikman of Fort Worth, Texas and her children and special life-long friends and family Prince Altom and wife Leta and Doug Altom and his wife Margaret.
The highlight of Art’s day was spending time with those he loved, especially in the woods, on a beach or on the water; he loved playing golf, hunting, fishing, listening to or making music and working on one of his creative projects. If you knew him and spent time with him, you probably loved him! His family could not have asked for a better husband, Dad or Papaw. We will miss him every day until we are together again.
A graveside farewell service will be held on Friday November 26 at 11:00 am at Centuries Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the American Lung Association or a charity of your choice.
