John Lewis Howard

John Lewis Howard, born December 11, 1952, a life-long resident of Willis, Texas, he passed away unexpectedly September 2, 2023, while riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Lewis basked in the freedom of the open road, often telling his family there was nothing like the feeling of being on the bike. Riding his bike brought him much happiness. Early on in his childhood, he lost his father and stepfather and became the “man of the house” where he learned to take care of his mother and sisters. This encouraged him to succeed. In 1971, he graduated from Willis High School, ranked 3rd in his class. He was Vice President of his senior class, member of the National Honor Society, and President of FFA. He was awarded an academic scholarship to Sam Houston State University and was working towards a degree in Agricultural Business until he was drafted to Vietnam in 1972. He was on the plane to Vietnam when President Nixon declared the war was over, however he was still sent to Berlin. While in Germany he excelled and became an excellent marksman. Lewis Howard, affectionately known as “Hammer Head,” left his mark on this world as being kind, generous, a great carpenter, fun, and a tad stubborn. He was a jack of all trades and master of many. He was also a phenomenal horseshoe pitcher, and above all a good friend to many. After many years of competing at Montgomery County Fair, Walker County Fair and being a member of THPA (Texas Horseshoe Pitchers Association) he and his pitching partner and best friend, Billy Ray Hyman, won 1st place at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for Go Texan in 1999. Lewis was an avid vegetable gardener often sharing his harvest with his neighbors and friends. He was a member of the Willis American Legion Post 618 where he participated in many cook offs where the proceeds benefited organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Willis Special Kats, and the Shriners Hospital. He enjoyed Westerns, especially “Gun Smoke” and completing the daily crossword, Jumble, and the 5-Star Sudokus in the Conroe Courier. He mainly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends having a good time. It had to be God’s plan that brought Lewis, a meat-eating Texan together with his vegetarian Yankee wife. They would have celebrated 25 years of marriage this October 15th. They had many years of laughter, comedy, a few life challenges, but celebrated every triumph, setting an example of unwavering commitment to each other. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Ansay, daughters Staci (Chris) McGinty, Sara (Nathan) Lindley. Grandchildren, Christopher (Sierra) McGinty and Carson (Hannah Kowis) McGinty. Twin Sister (younger by only few minutes) Mary (Ron) West. Brother-in-Law, Sonny Binford, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law Jayne and Marvin Kolbach, Sister-in-law Barbara Prochaska, and numerous nieces, nephews, and good friends. Proceeded in death by his Father John Thomas Howard, Mother Doris Merle Howard Sapp, Stepfather Elroy Sapp, Sister Nita Raye Binford, Brother-in-laws Jerry Ansay and Paul Prochaska, and In-laws Arnie and Caroline Ansay. Lewis leaves behind many stories and memories that will be treasured and re-told for years to come. His wife and daughters will have a celebration of life for him at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Legion Post 618, PO Box 554, Willis, TX 77378 RE: In Memory of John Lewis Howard.

John Lewis Howard

December 11, 1952 - September 2, 2023