STRACKBEIN

Howard Earl Strackbein, 69, of Mansfield, passed away peacefully at his home July 7 with his loving and devoted wife, Mary, by his side.

Howard was born Mar. 7, 1953, in Aransas Pass to Howard Adolph Strackbein and Mary Larue “Ruby” Nations Strackbein. He married Mary Jane Fowler Nov. 21, 1981, and they celebrated 40 years of marriage together.

Howard attended Texas A & M University for his undergraduate studies and graduated in 1975, with a degree in architecture and building construction.

He then proceeded to law school at St. Mary’s Law School in San Antonio where he wrote for their law review and had a case note published. After graduation, Howard began his career as a Deputy District Counsel for the US Army Corps of Engineers (Ft. Worth District) and remained there from December 1979, to his retirement in 2013.

Howard was an avid art collector, history buff, connoisseur of fine wines, and a budding science-fiction writer. He and Mary also shared a love of travel.

Howard was preceded in death by his father, Howard Adolph Strackbein.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Fowler Strackbein; mother, Mary Larue “Ruby” Nations Strackbein; sister-in-law, Blanche Fowler Everett; sister, Judy Strackbein Ocon; brother, Roger Glenn Strackbein; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation was Thursday, July 14 at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. Howard’s funeral was Friday, July 15 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Columbus with Deacon Sandye Fletcher officiating.

The family has requested that any donations be made to the Fowler Fund through St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 267, Columbus, TX 78934.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.