Joseph A. Howse II was born June 10, 1919 in Los Angeles, California to Joseph A. Howse II and Ruth McCausland Howse and passed away peacefully on January 10, 2010 in Houston.
He grew up in Los Angeles where he attended public schools and was involved in athletics, outdoor activities, and Boy Scouts, attaining the Eagle Scout ranking. In addition to his brother Ben and cousin Clark, he had close friends, Carver Hildebrand and Wes Stone, with whom he maintained a lifelong connection.
His father passed away when he was a teenager but he was able to put himself through UCLA working nights at the Douglas Aircraft factory and attending school during the day. He participated in ROTC in college and when World War II began, this allowed him to enter the Army Air Corps as a 2nd Lt. He married his high school sweetheart, Marlyn (Lynn) Whedon, on January 20, 1942, and was posted to Randolph Field near San Antonio. Their two sons, Jim & Jeff, were born there during the war. He advanced rapidly in rank, ending his service as a major and the Director of Military Personnel, Central Flying Training Command. At the end of the war, he intended to return to California, but at the invitation of a fellow officer, he visited Houston and ultimately decided to stay and begin his business career with the Cravens, Dargan Companies where he remained his entire career, retiring as Executive Vice President. Their daughter, Susan, was born in Houston during this time. He was involved in several other businesses, professional organizations, and community activities during his time in Houston and developed many lifelong friendships. He was a senior warden at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, a Scout leader, a member of the Rotary Club, and a board member at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital. His professional affiliations included: president of the American Association of Managing General Agents, chairman of Texas Insurance Advisory Association, president of Texas Surplus Lines Association, chairman of Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas, and chairman of several Select and Steering committees appointed by the Texas State Board of Insurance. When he retired in 1988, he and his wife moved to their beautiful home on Lake Travis, near Austin. They developed many new relationships and he involved himself in the local government and church as a volunteer. They had a wonderful retirement at the lake with local activities, golf, and lots of travel. Their travel map has pins marking trips all over the world. When the years and failing health dictated, they decided to move back to Houston to be close to their family. They moved into the The Buckingham and enjoyed five years of closeness to their children and grand/great-grandchildren. He suffered from advancing Alzheimer’s disease for several years before his death, but always maintained his sly and dry sense of humor. He was a joy to be around. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to The Smile Train or the Alzheimer’s Association. The interment date is yet to be determined, but will be a private family gathering.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Marlyn, daughter Susan Rieke and husband Marc, son James Howse, son Jeffrey and wife Coralee, brother Ben and wife Pat and their children, spouses, and grand/great-grandchildren, cousin Clark Hubbs and family. Grandchildren: Scott Howse, Meredith Howse, Megan Howse, Mandy Howse, Leslie and husband Jack Jackson, Brian and wife Lacy Rieke, Laura and husband Walter Church, Ryan Howse, Melissa Howse, Chuck Howse, Joe Howse IV. Great-grandchildren: Kate Jackson, Thomas Jackson, Mary Lacy Rieke, Carter Rieke, Helen Rieke, Joseph Ashby Church, Max Church, Abigail Howse, Hannah Aaronson.