Eugene H. Howard

At the University of Arkansas, he majored in chemical engineering. He was a member of the R.O.T.C. and enlisted in the Army Reserve. World War II interrupted his education when he was called to active duty. While fighting in Luxembourg, Gene was wounded and received the Purple Heart. He was awarded the Bronze Star for seeking medical aid for other wounded soldiers in his unit before he sought treatment for himself.

Like other members of the Greatest Generation which journalist Tom Brokaw describes in his book, Gene fought in the war, came home attended college under the G.I. bill, and then pursued his career without looking back or complaining. After the war, he completed his chemical engineering degree at the University of Arkansas and was initiated in Alpha Chi Sigma. Gene took a job as a research engineer with ALCOA (Aluminum Company of America). His research led to publications in the Journal of American Chemical Society.

While working at ALCOA, Gene continued his education at Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he pursued a degree in industrial management. In 1959, he moved his family, which by then included daughters, Beverly and Cyndy, to Corpus Christi, Texas.

During his tenure at Reynolds Metals, he worked as Plant Industrial Engineer and Plant Engineer. Gene pioneered the use of computers in aluminum production, introducing automation on the potline.

Gene also worked with Reynolds International on special projects, which required several trips to Venezuela. One extended project resulted in his writing a manual that described the operations and cost accounting for the operation of a pre-bake aluminum potline. The manual was translated into Spanish and later into Portuguese for use in Brazil.

Other professional activities included qualifying as a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas, later achieving Life Member Status in the National Society. He served as President of the Nueces Chapter of Professional Engineers.

In addition to a full professional life, he was active in the community and church. He belonged to the Portland Rotary Club, later transferring to the Southside Rotary Club of Corpus Christi. He served two terms as President of the Portland Rotary Club; honored him by making him a Paul Harris Fellow. He served a term as President of the Friends of the Library. Gene enjoyed working in the television ministry at First Baptist Church for 19 years running cameras, monitoring the sound system, and producing the entire program. He was an active deacon for many years until declining health prevented his participation.

Gene is survived by Irene, his devoted wife of 63 years, daughters, Dr. Beverly Howard of Riverside, CA and Cynthia Sue Howard of Corpus Christi, Texas, a niece, Shirley Allen of Broken Arrow, OK and a great-niece Anna Marie Allen Duarte of Claremore, Ok. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Myrtle Howard of Muskogee, OK and his sister, Pauline Robertson of Claremore, Ok.

Following a private graveside service, a memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2012 at First Baptist Church Chapel followed by a reception at the church to greet friends. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the television ministry at First Baptist Church. To offer your condolences please visit us a www.cage-mills.com.