Joe Howard

Joseph Floyd Howard was born on December 18, 1949 in Okemah, Oklahoma to Joe Willis and Peggy Ann Howard. He passed to the loving arms of his Savior on September 4, 2024, surrounded by his wife and family while listening to one of his favorite songs, Hallelujah.

Joe attended several different schools while growing up, as his father was as Baptist Preacher, and was graduated from Ardmore High School in Ardmore, Oklahoma in 1969. While in high school, Joe lettered in both football and wrestling, helping his team become the District 2-AAA Champs in 1966. He immediately joined the United States Air Force and was stationed stateside in Texas and Mississippi, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

Following his discharge, Joe studied Mortuary Science, earning a license as a Funeral Director and Embalmer in 1973. He worked as a director in Bonham Texas, and co-owned the funeral home there for many years. Joe and his family moved to the League City area in the early 1980’s, where he worked for the Dignity Funeral Corporation at Forest Park East, Jack Rowe, Forest Park Lawndale, Pasadena Funeral Chapel and Grandview Funeral Home. The funeral business was a calling to him, feeling that he could make a difference helping people in their greatest time of need. He retired after 40 years in the funeral business, and then spent two years as a crossing guard, again, helping others.

Joe married Candy Bernsen on November 22, 2006 in Paris, France under the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower. They spent the next 20 years traveling, listening to their favorite music (Frankie Valle and other 60’s musical stars) and attending Broadway musicals and Astros games. Although Joe was OU all the way and Candy was a graduate of UH, they were able to put aside their differences in their house divided – with the exception of the one day each year that their teams played each other in the Howard Championship!!

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe W. and Peggy Howard, brothers Steve and Tom and sister Mary Ann and former wife, Virginia Howard. He is survived by his loving wife, Candy and their children Rebecca Williams, Melanie Clinkscales, Lauren Bernsen and Chris Howard (Tiffany), and his sisters in law Debbie Howard and Karrie Combs (Chuck). In addition, his incredible grandchildren include Savannah, Analyse, Tucker and Aspen Howard, Madison Williams, Kennedy and Karson Akin and Asher Clinkscales, all of whom will miss him deeply. He also is survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral arrangements are made through Forest Park East. Joe’s family requests that those who wish to make a memorial donation due so to Clear Lake United Methodist Church Music and Fine Arts.

A celebration of life for Joe was held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 16335 El Camino Real in Houston, Texas.