Fred “David” Howard Jr., 77, of Kingsland, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. David was born on May 2, 1948, in Vardaman, Mississippi, to Fred and Sarah Pittman Howard. He has now gone to meet his Savior.

As a child, David moved with his family from Mississippi to New Orleans, Louisiana, and later to Plainview, Texas. He graduated from Plainview High School and went on to earn his degree from Wayland Baptist University. His lifelong passion for education shaped a distinguished career spanning decades.

David began his teaching career at Hillcrest Elementary School and Ash Middle School, later teaching at Petersburg High School and Hale Center High School. After earning his mid-management degree, he served as principal at Junction Elementary School and Devine Middle School, as well as assistant principal at Bryan High School and North Zulch ISD. David concluded his educational career in Water Valley, Texas, where he served as superintendent.

In 1980, David was recruited to be on Governor Bill Clements’s Texas Commission on Standards for the Teaching Profession, where he served one term.

While teaching in Plainview, David also shared his creative talents as a photographer, capturing memories of Little League baseball, youth football and basketball teams, weddings, anniversaries, and quinceañeras throughout the 1980s.

During his senior year of college, David met the love of his life, Susan “Sioux” Howard. They shared 55 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and service. David was a devoted husband and father who gave generously of his time to his loved ones and his community. He was actively involved in the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Men’s Bible Breakfast Club, the Boy Scouts of America, Lakewood Forest III POA, and he had a lifelong interest in the study and teaching of science.

David was known as a hard-working man who was deeply respected in every community he served. His dedication to education, leadership, and service left a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, and friends.

David was preceded in death by his father, Fred David Howard; his mother, Sarah Pittman Howard; his sister, Katrinka Park; and his brother, Richard Howard.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sioux of Kingsland, Texas; his sons, Benjamin David Howard of Homestead, Florida; Andrew Jeremy Howard of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Caleb Orion Howard and his wife, Cate, of Seabrook, Texas. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Sikes of Georgetown, Texas, and Belinda Smith of Wimberley, Texas; his brother, Kenny Howard of Sealy, Texas; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

David had a deep love for computers, science, and education — passions that remained with him throughout his life and legacy. He also had a gift for storytelling. No story was ever rushed, and no detail was too small to exclude. Those who listened learned patience; those who loved him wouldn’t have had it any other way. And those who just wanted a yes or no answer were plumb outta luck. 

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