Howard Sarvin Williams

Howard Sarvin Williams Sr. was born in Sumrall, Mississippi on August 17, 1925 and passed away on September 22, 2016 in Katy, TX. He was the youngest of ten. He had a passion for learning and was reading at the age of two. He attended one semester at Tulane University.

When WWII broke out, all of Howard’s older brothers enlisted and he wanted to be a part of the team. He enlisted in the United States Navy on May 18, 1943 and achieved the rank of Sonar Operator Second Class. He served on the USS Rudderow until his honorable discharge on April 17, 1946. He earned eight WWII medals among them were the Bronze Star, the Asiatic Pacific Area w/3 Stars, the Philippine Liberation w/1 Star, and the Navy Good Conduct Medal.

Shortly after his discharge from the Navy, he was hired by the Superior Oil Company as a "Seismograph Operator." He began as a “doodle bugger” (seismic acquisition) and finished up in seismic processing. While working in San Benito, Texas, in the early 1950's, he met the beautiful Herminia Montalvo. They were married on April 26, 1953 and moved to Houston. They raised five children. He retired in the 1970's from Superior Oil after 30+ years.

In the 1960's, Howard’s hobby and passion for racing brought him to Team Bluebonnet, where he was the team’s mechanic. The driver, Lynn P. Beaumont, was one of Howard’s best friends. He was named "Mechanic of the Year" in 1968 by the Sports Car Club of America. He was also very active in the Bellaire Lions Club from 1963-1969. Howard was not only a great mechanic but was able to build or repair just about anything.

He was generous and passionate about his family and friends. He was always there to lend a helping hand or listen to your trouble. He believed in everyone doing their best and was a driving force in many lives. His smile and great sense of humor spilled over to his family; never a dinner without laughter or a really corny joke. As a youth, he played bass in a local band. His passion for music was passed on to his children. Howard also loved the outdoors and many family vacations were spent camping across the country. He had some intriguing stories to tell and we would all gather around, mesmerized, and listen for hours. He was a plethora of knowledge and was the person everyone depended on when they had a problem to solve.

He is survived by his former wife, Herminia; five children; Sam and wife Melinda of Houston, Mary Davis and husband Tom of Houston, Howard Jr. of Houston, Patricia Prasher and husband Gary of Houston and Lucy Ellis and husband Jim of Seattle, Washington.

Six Grandchildren; Matthew and Barrett Davis, Julian and Sophia Henry, Justin and Alex Ellis.

Nephew; Bob Jones and Nieces; Beverly Meek, Patricia Settle, Sue Kiesling and husband Emil.

Step Grandchildren; Cristina Wittkopp, Shannon Barrette, William Prasher and wife Patricia, Morgan Prasher, and Avery Clair Prasher

Step Great-Grandchildren; James Wittkopp, Janis Prasher, and Abby Prasher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and seven brothers.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in Howard's name. Go to the link below and follow the prompts.

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