Rodney Alan Howald

February 21, 1945 – February 3, 2026

Rodney Alan Howald, 80, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, just weeks before his 81st birthday.

Rodney was born on February 21, 1945, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Herbert Hadley Howald and Dorothy Ellen Mustain Howald. He grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he graduated from W.B. Ray High School alongside his high school sweetheart, Nancy Lee Sharp Howald, whom he married soon after. Together they built a beautiful life and had just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary — a true testament to their deep love and devotion to one another.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Hadley and Dorothy Howald, and his older brothers, Mike Howald and Carter Howald.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Lee Sharp Howald; his daughter Kimberly Howald Wilks and husband Lewis Wilks; his daughter Kelly Howald Leverett and husband Chris Leverett; and his son Christian Howald and wife Tanya Howald.

He was a proud and loving grandfather to Berkeley Wilks Griffith; Braxton Wilks and wife Sheridan Wilks; Cade Leverett; Hadley Howald; Callie Anne Leverett; Canon Leverett; and Hayes Howald. He was also blessed with three precious great-grandchildren: Delah Griffith, Corinne Griffith, and Greer Wilks.

Rodney faithfully served as an elder and volunteered at First Colony Church of Christ in Sugar Land, Texas. His faith guided his life, and he was known for his Christ-like spirit, kindness, generosity, and genuine love for others.

Rodney played football at Blinn Junior College then finished his college degree and graduated from Texas A&I at Kingsville. He worked for many years at Parke-Davis, later Pfizer, where he built lasting friendships before retiring. In retirement, Rodney and Nancy traveled the world together, creating treasured memories. When he wasn’t traveling, he could reliably be found on the golf course every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Rodney had a generous heart and loved to shop for and give thoughtful gifts to those he loved. He especially loved his miniature dachshund, Ryan, who brought him great joy. He was even something of a local celebrity at his Chick-fil-A in Sugar Land, where his warm smile and friendly spirit made him well-known and well-loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Colony Church of Christ, 2140 First Colony Blvd., Sugar Land, Texas 77479, at 2:00 p.m. on February 22nd.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the missions ministry at First Colony Church of Christ.

Rodney was deeply loved by many and leaves behind a legacy of faith, laughter, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. He will be profoundly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew him.