Howard Alexander Halff

Howard A. Halff, a San Antonio native and fourth generation Texan passed away April 14, 2009, in San Antonio. Born December 20, 1925, he was an Eagle Scout and graduate of Jefferson High School.

He attended the University of Missouri and graduated in 1946 from the University of Texas with a Chemical Engineering degree and as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He served as a deck officer on the USS Adria AF 30 a stores ship carrying goods and refrigerated items to Europe and isolated bases. Following his naval service, Howard was active in various capacities as an engineer for Texaco for 38 years.

He ended his employment in New Orleans in charge of gas sales for the Louisiana area. Upon retirement he returned to San Antonio where he was active in ranching. Among the many organizations he enjoyed supporting were UT Austin, UTSA, UTHSC San Antonio, McNay Art Museum, Boysville, Unicorn Center, San Antonio Zoological Society, Temple Beth El and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Harry A. and Anyce P. Halff; and his brother, Thomas A. Halff. He is survived by his wife, Betty Murray Halff; and her daughter, Melissa Murray Jeffery; her son, Luke; and her daughter, Dundee Murray Whealen and husband, Kevin. Other survivors are his brother, Alex H. Halff and wife, Sally; nephews, Glenn Halff and wife, Mindi Alterman, Harry Halff and wife, Lisa, Jim Halff and wife, Danna; and grandnieces, Allison and Marghi Halff; and grandnephews, Jesse, Travis, Cody, Joshua and Daniel Halff.

The family acknowledges with grateful hearts the friendship and care of Charles Wallace and sustained medical care of Drs. Charles Andrews, Randall Bell, and Charles Burch and the nurses and staff of Pulmonary Physicians. The family's appreciation extends to Drs. Laura Jacobs and Jose Perez of South Texas Cardiovascular Consultants and Dr. Robert Goff and the staff of Life Care Hospital.