John B. Howenstine

John B. Howenstine, a distinguished businessman, respected community leader, devoted husband, father, and lifelong adventurer, passed away on Monday, the 6th of April, leaving behind a legacy defined by integrity, leadership, and a deep commitment to family and community.

John was born on the 29th of August 1940, in Lima, Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial engineering. He began his career with Ernst & Ernst as a management consultant in Cleveland and Los Angeles, where he built a strong foundation in business strategy and advisory work.

In 1976, John joined the J. S. Abercrombie Mineral Company, where he would make a lasting impact. Rising to President in 1983, he played a central role in overseeing and expanding a diverse portfolio of family business interests. Under his leadership, the Abercrombie enterprises spanned oil and gas exploration and production, real estate development including shopping centers and apartment communities, extensive land holdings across Texas and other states, warehouses and office properties in Houston, venture capital investments, leveraged buyout equity participations, manufacturing, distribution businesses, and working ranches and a thoroughbred breeding operation. His time with the Abercrombie organization was a defining chapter of his career and reflected his ability to lead complex, multi-faceted enterprises with vision and discipline. John’s professional career also included serving as President of Beecher Securities, Inc. in Houston, where he focused on investment management, and as a Partner in KNA Partners, specializing in real estate investments. He was President of Fiberflex, Inc., a fiberglass manufacturing company, and held senior leadership roles as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of HealthVest, a healthcare REIT. Earlier in his career, he served as President of J-S Realty Company in Los Angeles and as a principal at J. Toellner & Associates.

Widely recognized for his sound judgment, steady leadership, and personal integrity, John was frequently sought out to serve on boards and advisory groups. His reputation as a thoughtful and effective leader led to numerous appointments across both nonprofit and corporate organizations. Among his notable entrepreneurial and board contributions, John invested in and served on the board of Worlds of Wonder in Fremont, California, the company that brought Teddy Ruxpin—an innovative animatronic storytelling bear and one of the most successful toys of its time—to market, reflecting his eye for unique opportunities and emerging consumer innovation.

He was deeply committed to improving the lives of others through his service, most notably with Texas Children’s Hospital, where he served on the Board of Trustees and held leadership roles as Chairman and President. His contributions reflected his dedication to advancing healthcare and supporting families in need.

In addition, John served on the Board of Trustees of Westview School, The Post Oak School, and Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. He was a member of the Board of Visitors at M.D. Anderson and served on the boards of several companies, including Medalist Industries in Milwaukee and First City National Bank in Bellaire. Across all of these roles, he was valued for his insight, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Outside of his professional and civic accomplishments, John embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an accomplished pilot and enjoyed sailing and racing sailboats. He toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada on motorcycles. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and photography. He found great joy in sharing these passions with family and friends, and whether outdoors or gathered with loved ones, he lived fully and generously.

Above all, John was a family man. In addition to his beloved wife, Carol Lee (Grisham) Howenstine, he is survived by his daughter Jerri Milbank and her husband John, and their sons Jason and Jared; his daughter Jill Schriber and her husband Tom, and their daughter Jenny; his son John Howenstine, Jr. and his wife Nicole, and their daughters Marin and Marlee; his daughter Daria Brainerd and her husband Lucas, and their son Jack and daughters Charlotte and Everley; and his son Beck and daughter Madison. He is also survived by his brother Tom Howenstine and his wife Susan, his sister Louise Whiteford, and his brother-in-law James Grisham, and his sons Jared and Lucas.

He was a proud and loving father whose greatest joy came from time spent with his family. The family would also like to thank The Traditions and their Hospice Care team for the care and respect they provided John over the last couple of years. Lastly, a special thank you to James Hawkins, John’s friend and caregiver, who brought renewed joy to John’s final years.

A memorial service to Celebrate John’s life is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 21st of May 2026, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

For those unable to attend, virtual attendance may be accessed by selecting the ‘Join Livestream’ icon in the ‘Services’ section below.

John will be remembered for his leadership, generosity, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in John’s memory may be directed to Texas Children’s Hospital, the Alzheimer’s Association, or Westview School for Autism by accessing the link under the ‘Donations’ section below.

We invite you to take a few moments to share memories and words of comfort and condolence with John’s family by selecting the ‘Add a Memory’ icon in the ‘Show your Support’ section below.