Elbert D. Howze

Elbert (Ed) Howze was born in Detroit, Michigan, to William Howze and Lela Reeves on February 14, 1951. When he was 18 he joined the United States Army and served his country proudly in Vietnam sustaining permanent serious injuries.

He was awarded two PURPLE HEARTS. Ed passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital, Houston, on October 27, 2015.

Ed accepted an office manager’s position in Houston in 1973. His illnesses, which were many, did not hinder him in continuing his education at the University of Houston receiving a BFA, BS in Technology, BS in Business Technology, Master Fine Arts Photography and Master in Fine Arts-Art. Ed loved taking pictures and being a perfectionist, photos were labeled, in binders and later, on his computer. He loved plants, flowers and making yard decorations for Christmas; this resulted in awards on several occasions for “Yard of the Month” and first place in decorations.

Ed was a long time member of Champion Forest Baptist Church serving as an usher captain, member of Encouragers Class and Biblical Literacy Class. He was affiliated with , Vietnam Veterans of America, and ran the North satellite office of Mended Hearts Chapter 38 for several years. One of his many hobbies was being a member of the R O M E Os (Retired Old Men Eating Out)..

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Howze and Lela B. Reeves. Ed is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Barbara, children, Lillian Williams and Jason Howze; Grandchildren, Gabrielle Williams and Jonathan Williams. Special godchildren, Shelly Miller-Jones, Lisa Jou and the darling, Lauren Benta. Ed’s loving siblings include two brothers, William Howze (Fran), Otis Howze, sisters, Versie Chastang (Joe), Doris Hicks (James), Bessie Johnson (Earl), Bernidine Carter and step mother, Betty Howze. Ed also leaves a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives, church members and friends.

Special Thanks: The family expresses their gratitude to the doctors and staff with the Hall-Garcia Cardiology Group, Dr. John D. Goosey with the Houston Eye Association, Dr. Kelty Baker and family physician, Dr A. Pacha. The family would also like to pay tribute to the late Dr. Ali Massumi, M.D., Clinical Professor of Medicine who was Ed’s Cardiologist for over 19 years.