https://www.dropbox.com/s/t80749hvq4q644g/Lynn%20Howden%20Memorial_zoom.mp4?dl=0
Lynn was born in Pittsburgh, PA on March 22, 1948 and was called home to Heaven on October 13, 2020. Lynn’s parents, his twin sister, Linda and his older brother, Dudley moved to Houston when Lynn was 2 years old. As they say, “he wasn’t born in Texas, but got here as fast as he could.” He loved being in Texas, loved the state, its history and his team, the Longhorns.
Lynn went to Waltrip High School (class of ’67) where he fine tuned his skill and love for basketball. Highly recruited, he played freshman ball at LSU, and then lettered his last three years at the University of Texas. He loved the sport, his teammates, and his coach. He graduated from the School of Communications. He went on to manage several small companies, and then to his last and favorite occupation of building and remodeling homes in the Austin area.
Lynn was very active in his church, Austin Ridge Bible Church, (loving to greet folks into the church with handshakes and high fives), supporting Young Life, and attending Community Bible Study. If he had a hobby it would have been collecting coins, but more than a hobby, he loved his family. He remained a personal part of his grown children’s daily lives, helping them in any and every way he could. And when his seven grandchildren came along, he was tireless in swinging them, teaching them chess, how to use a table saw, and throwing “snakes” in the yard (gummy snakes) for them to find. He was so loved by them as well, they would fight over who got to go to the dump to empty his orange trailer full of used building scraps. He loved sharing the “feeding of his deer” and filling the bird feeders with each grandkid. He has left quite a legacy and very large (size 15) shoes to fill and he will be incredibly missed. He also loved taking road trips with Debi, enjoying the history on the route and the scenery they passed. It wasn’t just about the destination, but the journey as well. They went often to Colorado to visit dear friends at their cabin. These were his most marked and enjoyed trips.
Lynn and Debi met at U.T., as Debi worked part-time in the ticket office at Gregory gym. During his basketball practices, Lynn would often stick his head in the ticket window, telling his jokes and one liners. One girl couldn’t resist. They were married 47 years, and blessed with four amazing children, Sarah Peters (husband, Alan Peters, children: Camden 14, Nolan 12, Mabry 10, Meryl 8), Samuel Howden (wife Sarah, son Samuel Lynn 9 months), Bethany Tomasik (husband Andrew Tomasik, Andrew 7, Asher 5) and Abby Howden and soon to be husband, Richard Hoey.
Sometimes it seemed to be Lynn’s ambition in life was to make people laugh, which broke many barriers, and developed great friendships. The people in the convenience stores knew him, the bank, even the check in lady at the “dump.” He was very accepting of others, even giving out of luck workers a second chance on his jobs. He loved the art of watching a home go from a slab frame stage to a finished home and especially later on helping others remodel their homes into an updated style. His patience was always apparent and appreciated. He also entertained all his clients as well as his associates in the business with his humor.
Lynn lived life well, finished well. He was pretty content to just go with the flow in life. He was a comfortable man, only having strong convictions in his faith, politics and sports. Other than that he had a most humble and servant’s heart. He will be missed by all, his loving wife, children, grandchildren, friends, and those he had barely met.
The family members will soon post their personal thoughts.
From Bethany: How do you find the words to share what a father meant to you? My dad didn't use a lot of words (except for his classic dad jokes), but his actions were all that were needed. He would be the first one to be there when you needed gas in your car, an early morning ride to a volleyball tournament, a quick trip to Starbucks - he was the one who would get up and take you. He was the one who was there for my kids to let them sit in his lap and watch football, to push on a swing or to give them tickles. My son, Asher, once asked me if Boss taught me how to tickle, because he "is the best tickler there is." How do you find the words to share what a father's love means? I hope that I can continue to show that love that Dad so selflessly showed day in and day out to my own children. It's not always easy to give of ourselves, but Dad made it look effortless. If only we could all have such a humble, servant's heart like him.
From Sarah: How has it been a week, dad? In an average week, you would have offered to make a Costco run for me to get "the usual" for me. You would have found a way to help Alan out with an issue at the rental house or our house, not because Alan wasn't capable, but because you simply delighted in helping us. You would have texted me a picture of a Pickles or Family Circus comic. You would have taken Camden to Mighty Fine just to talk about life. You would have asked Nolan all about his chickens and asked if he could have some eggs to take home for Mimi. You would have taught Mabry a quick basketball drill or scheduled a time for her to come "feed your deer". You would have helped Meryl with her math worksheet while she sat on your knee. You loved so well, without condition. When I told you I wanted to give up my full-ride and come home, our relationship didn't skip a beat, because, even though basketball was a deep bond we had, it wasn't what you loved me for. You knew we were going to put Nolan's beloved chicken to sleep, so you just stopped and asked to hold PJ. It wasn't because you so loved holding chickens, but you knew Nolan's heart so well. As my father, you did what few accomplish, you gave me a glimpse of how my Father loves, simply for who I am.
The family would also want to thank all of our friends for their enormous outpouring of love and prayer. We could not have made it through this far without you or the grace, direction, and provision that God has provided. We can have peace and assurance of an eternal life spent with Jesus and know that Lynn sits in his presence now. We have often commented during this week of those who do not have the hope of a life and eternity spent with the redemption found only in Christ. We are thankful that Lynn had these things. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your texts, calls, cards and the love shown to our family.
The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 27th, at Austin Ridge Bible Church (Bee Caves campus) in Building D at 10am, and it will also be streamed.
Lynn had a heart for helping kids. Thus in lieu of flowers, you may give to Young Life's Central Texas Region Lynn Howden Campership Memorial Fund to help send underprivileged kids to YL camp. LINK: https://giving.younglife.org/HowdenMemorial
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