Howard Victor Reed

Today, we acknowledge and celebrate the passing of one of Texas gentle giants. Howard Victor Reed, 87, of Austin, formally of Brownsville, Texas passed away peacefully on March 5, 2011, in the comfort and surrounded by his family. Howard was a Renaissance Man. As, first and foremost, a family man, Howard was also a rancher and international businessman. Howard was a man who was as comfortable in a tuxedo, as well as, in cowboy boots and a hat.

Howard Reed was born on April 5, 1923, in Brownsville, Texas to Capt. Wallace L. Reed and Ada Egly Reed. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers: Wallace, Harold, Albert WWII POW and Forrest WWII Okinawa.

Howard is proudly survived by his wife of sixty two years, Cecelia and his brother and sister and their spouses, Roy E. Reed and his wife JoAnne Glenn Reed and Sunshine Reed VanHolsbeke and her husband Leon.

Howard and the former Cecelia Fernandez of Brownsville were married on January 1, 1949. Howard and Cis had five children: Leigh and her husband Bobby Moore of Austin Victoria ReedFenimore and her husband Chet Fenimore of Austin Howard, Jr. and his wife Kelli of Austin Carol Reed of Brownsville, TX and Forrest Reed of Austin. Howard is also survived by his six cherished grandchildren: Courtney Bramlett, Garrett Bramlett, Mary Reed, Harrison Reed, Trace Reed and Clint Reed all of Austin. Howard is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a most amazing group of friends.

Howard served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps until dismissed after becoming head of his household at the death of two of his brothers in WWII. After that, at the age of 21, he went to Mexico to seek his fortune. Howard was introduced to Clint Murchison, Sr., and together they acquired land and cattle investments in Mexico. Howard and Mr. Clint remained business partners and great friends for life. Ranching continued to be his lifelong passion. As such, he was renowned as a true cattleman.

Howard loved his family deeply and extended that love to his many friends. Throughout his life and especially during his illness he revealed what it meant to live.

Howard was a man who lived by his word. Words like respect, integrity, trust, friendship, family, reputation, and honesty. These words were his bond and that governed every day of his life. These words and their true meanings are his legacy.

Howard was a great life teacher and a master storyteller. He was known for the modesty, kindness, honor and optimism that imbued his life. He was also a silent philanthropist. Over the decades, Howard contributed and funded numerous philanthropic endeavors, all without personal attribution.


At the end of the day, everyone he touched during his life is better for having had the honor and the privilege to have known and loved him. Few men have led such a life. Fewer men will leave such a legacy. No man will ever Fill his Boots. Howard Reed was revered by all and will be remembered by many. He will be missed. Vaya con Dios mi marido, nuestro padre, nuestro to, nuestro abuelo y nuestro amigo. Te Queremos

The pallbearers will be Garrett Bramlett, Randy Reed, Roy E. Reed, Jr., Roman Reed, Reggie VanHolsbeke, and Frank Parker, Jr. The honorary pallbearers will be Roy E. Reed, Sr., Frank Yturria, Miles Lewis, John C. Gayle, Aaron Hees, Joe Mea, Dee Dee Armstrong, and Frank Parker.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Parkinson Research Foundation, Sea Turtles, Inc. of South Padre Island, or to the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the staff of Robinson Creek Home Health and Texas Home Health Hospice for their excellent care and compassion.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, March 8th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at WeedCorleyFish Funeral Home at 3125 North Lamar Blvd., Austin.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 9th from 6 to 8 p.m., at DarlingMouser Funeral Home, 945 Palm Blvd., Brownsville.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 10th at the Church of the Advent, Episcopal, 104 W. Elizabeth Street, Brownsville, Texas. A private family burial will follow at Buena Vista Burial Park.

All are invited to join the family for a Celebration of Howards life on Thursday, March 10th at 5:00 p.m. at La Cantera at 54 South Price Road, Brownsville.

Visitation

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Church of the Advent Episcopal
104 W. Elizabeth
Brownsville, TX  78520
Thursday, March 10, 2011
3 p.m.

Memorial Contributions

8586 Potter Park Drive
Sarasota, FL  34238


6617 Padre Blvd.
South Padre Island, TX  78597