Howard and his twin brother Homer were born on July 18, 1923. They were graduates of the old Sam Houston High School. He and his brother entered the U.S. Navy in 1943, where Howard was a radioman serving as a member of the admiral's flag crew for Cruiser Division 5 in the Pacific.
Howard was a locomotive engineer who retired from the Union Pacific Railroad with 40 years' service. He began his career as a fireman with the Missouri Pacific Railroad. After retirement he volunteered at the Galveston Railroad Museum, where he ran their steam engine. He also promoted railroad crossing safety as a guest speaker and presenter for the Operation Lifesaver Program.
He served for many years as a deacon and usher at Riverview Baptist Church and later at East Haven Baptist (now South Belt Church).
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanette (Jackie) Briggs Grounds, his parents Lonnie and Aileen Fry Grounds, brothers Homer and Lonnie Jr., and sister Edwina Waldrop. He is survived by his wife Lucille Evans Grounds, daughter Deborah and son-in law Monroe Copeland, grandchildren Michael (Michelle) Copeland and Jeffrey (Dr. Marilyn) Copeland, great-grandsons Cameron, Evan, Lucca and Lane Copeland, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind Lucille's children Patsy (Roy) Jorgensen, Greg Evans, Bob Evans (deceased) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Family will receive friends at a viewing on Thursday, March 15, from 6 – 8:30 PM, and the funeral service will be at 12 noon on Friday, March 16, at Forest Park Lawndale. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the children’s hospital of your choice.
