Howard M. Joseph, Sr.

Howard Joseph Sr., 86, passed from this world on December 30, 2012. He was born August 11, 1926, in Austin, the son of Lebanese immigrants. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. As a prolific businessman who operated retailer J&J Drug and Liquor for over 40 years, he was a longstanding part of the Austin business community. During the Korean conflict, Howard served as a member of the Texas Army National Guard. An active part of his community, Howard was a member of Our Lady Maronite Catholic Church., National Apostolate of Maronites, ALA, Cedar of Lebanon and Southern Federation.

Howard will be remembered by his kind smile, gentle spirit and his effervescent hospitality. A firm believer that family always came first, he always left his home open for family and friends to gather. Moreover, he was a man with a golden heart, who was always willing to help and champion those in need. We can still hear him giving orders.

Howard was preceded in death by the mother of his children Bernice Joseph.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Patricia; his son, Howard Jr.; his daughters, Patti Joseph and Janice Carmona and her husband, Mack; his step-children, Ernie Henry and his wife, Mitzi, Cathy Holder and her husband, Malcolm, Debbie Stolte and her husband, Steven, David Henry and his wife, Jill, Stanley Henry and his wife, Lisa, and Suzanne Sharif .

He is also survived by his twin, Harold; his brothers, Robert and Raymond; his sisters, Helen Naufel and Genevieve Kouri; his grandchildren, Jonathan and Zachary Joseph, Matthew and Michael Carmona, Brandee Ilse, Tara Barrow, Preston, Hank and Andrew Stolte, Daniel and Carolyn Henry, Emily and Anna Henry; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Today our world cries for Howard, and although he has left this world, he will live in our hearts forever.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until seven o’clock in the evening, on Wednesday, the 2nd of January 2013, at Our Lady Maronite Catholic Church located at 1320 East 51st Street, Austin, Texas. An Incense Service and Rosary will be recited 7:00 p.m. that evening.

Divine Liturgy will be celebrated ten o’clock in the morning on Thursday the 3rd of January 2013, at Our Lady Maronite Catholic Church with Dr. Msgr. Donald Sawyer as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery, Austin, Texas under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas.

The pallbearers are Jonathan Joseph, Zachary Joseph, Matthew Carmona, Michael Carmona, Preston Stolte and Daniel Henry.

In lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, memorials may be sent to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas, 78759.

Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.