Jack Howison Jr. passed away unexpectedly, April 7, 2024, following an accident on his ranch. The only child of Jack and Rosemary Howison Sr., Jack was born and raised in Travis Heights in south Austin and graduated from Travis High School in 1963. He went on to study Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1968. As the only son and the only nephew Jack was beloved and doted upon which laid a rich loving foundation, he carried through his relationships all his life.
In the last semester of school, he met the love of his life Margaret (Peg) Howison, and they married on May 25, 1968, in Bandera, Texas. The newlyweds left Texas for a 2-year adventure in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for Jack’s first professional position. Upon their return to Austin Jack accepted a position with Hall Level & Manufacturing Works and thus began his life-long career in east Austin. Eventually, Jack purchased Hall Level and continued the manufacture of levels and expanded the manufacturing to include more opportunities for the business and employees, including making a dipping machine for Häagen-Dazs! In the late 80’s Jack began to purchase and renovate buildings in east Austin doing much of the work himself, or right alongside the contractors and always with a creative eye to alternative uses, bringing new life to the buildings and the neighborhood.
In 1977 the dream of a family was finally realized in the gift of their daughter, followed two years later with twin boys. The years as a young family were punctuated with time spent on family ranches in Llano and Bandera and became the foundation of family time. Although born and raised in Austin, as a descendant of ranchers, time on the land was always a vital and vibrant part of the fabric of life for the family. Later, the purchase of the acreage known as “The Refuge” continued that tradition of time on the land as a touchstone for rejuvenation and healing.
A devoted and loving husband, father and friend, Jack leaves behind his children, Hope Magee Howison Duncan and her husband Chris, Graham McCoul Howison and his wife Kristen, and Gene Montague Howison and wife Lilian. His grandchildren Ethan Christopher Duncan, Dylan Jack Duncan, Aydan Cade Howison, Ellis Margaret Howison, and Jack Montague Howison. Also grieving are his loving companion, Joan Byrne, with whom he found happiness these last years, mother-in-law, Virginia (Meme) Montague, cousin John and Sheryl Keith of Llano, sisters-in-law Jane Montague, Kathleen Montague, Susan Montague, brother-in-law, George Montague and wife Anne of Bandera, sister-in-law, Laura Montague Priest and husband Deg of Pleasanton, sister-in-law, Trish Montague-Weaver and husband Owen, of Del Rio, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his wife of 39 years Peg Howison, parents, Jack & Rosemary Howison Sr., aunts Helen (Sweetie) Keith, Margaret Click, Lucia Chapman and Bina Baugh, father-in-law, Frank Montague, and brothers-in-law, Charlie Montague, Frank (Bubba) Montague, and Bill Montague.
Honorary pallbearers are John Keith, George Montague, Owen Weaver, Zilmon Smith, Lee Sloan, John Matlock, Bobby Shapiro, Nevic Donnelly and Dave Byrne.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home 2620 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas on Friday, April 26, 2024. Viewing 1pm-2pm, Service 2pm-3pm.
Jack loved to wear light pink, if you would like to wear light pink or suspenders (or both!)
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