Jessie Howard

Jessie David Howard, a coach and rancher of Sabinal, Texas passed away on December 11, 2023 at the age of 90. Born February 24, 1933 in Concan, Texas to Mary Elizabeth Coleman Howard and Jessie S. Howard. He attended Sabinal High School where he participated in everything from FFA, basketball and football under Coach Ralph Curtis. His love of sports lead him to a lifetime of adventures in playing and coaching.  

After high school he earned a scholarship to Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. On his way to register for his second year in college he stopped by the post office where he received a letter, he was drafted by the US Army during the Korean conflict. He was in the US Army for 2 years before returning home in September 1955. On October 8, 1955 he married his high school sweetheart Dorothy Jane Arnim. They started their married life in San Marcos, Texas where he played football and pursued a teaching degree from Southwest Texas University. It was there in the “Dog Patch” apartments that they meet lifelong friends. These young couples would hunt, fish, swim and ultimately raise their families together. They shared many emotions along the way, from the lost of a friend as well as the joys of a newborn child and starting a family. As years went by they all moved on to different careers and locations across Texas, but the friendships made were lifelong and a true blessing. 

San Marcos was the start of Coach Howards career, starting as a junior high football coach, then freshman team, assistant high school coach and head football coach of the San Marcos Rattlers in 1967.He worked with some great coaches and talented young men in basketball and track during those six years. 

In 1974 he moved to Hondo, Texas where he guided the Hondo Owls to five district championships in eight years as well as six playoff trips. In 1982 Howard started focusing on the Registered Hereford Breeding program known as Howard Herefords. He served as president of the Texas Hereford Association in 1984 and a lifetime member of the Texas and American Hereford associations. He is also a life member of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Member of Sabinal Masonic Lodge No.943, Scottish Rite Valley of San Antonio, San Marcos York Rite, Ben Hur Shrine, Austin, Texas. 

He is preceded in death by his parents: his sister Margie Howard Armstrong, and niece Mary Hope Armstrong Breaux, Odessa, Texas.  

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Howard, of 68 years. His daughter, Carol Howard White (Tommy), Blackwell, Texas, Granddaughter, Tana White (Anthony) Blackwell, Texas and Travis Howard White (Elizabeth) San Diego, California, Great Grand Children MaKinlee, Addison, Weylyn, Crockett and Alyvia. 

Service will be at the Central Christian Church on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 2:00 in the afternoon. (Ramp entrances are available toward the back of the church) Masonic gravesite service at the Sabinal Cemetary, Sabinal Texas.