Herbert Morris Howell

Herbert Morris Howell, 79, of Beaumont, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Beaumont, due to health complications. Herbert was born on August 5, 1944, to J. Herbert Howell and Beatrice Steele Howell  in Moultrie, Georgia. There he spent the better part of his early life growing up alongside his older brother, Ferman Howell.

Upon graduating high school, he enrolled at Southern Technical Institute in Marietta, Georgia where he received his Associates degree in Mechanical Engineering prior to being drafted in the U.S. Army in September of 1966.

After basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia and advanced training at Fort Ord, California, he signed up for Officer Candidate School (OCS). Graduating 2^nd Lieutenant, he was stationed in  Germany for a short time before being reassigned to the 101^st Infantry Division in Vietnam. During his time serving he was promoted to the rank of Captain and returned home to Georgia to resume his college education. A short two years later he would receive his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from STI and begin his professional career.

Herbert Howell spent the next 40 years in the Commercial\Industrial Air Conditioning trade. Excelling in leadership, project management and market development. While helping secure  future jobs and growth in the industry across the Gulf Coast states, he often took time to guide and mentor co-workers to help advance their own careers.

He was preceded in death by mother, Beatrice Steele Howell  and father, J. Herbert Howell of Moultrie, Georgia; brother, Ferman Howell of Crawfordville, Florida; and Teri’s mother, Janet Price Droll. He is survived by his two children from his first marriage: son, John Howell and daughter, Deanna Howell;  sister-in-law, Sarah Howell; and niece, Skylar Jones of  Crawfordville, Florida; niece, Sheila Howell of Tallahassee, Florida; his loving partner of over 30 years, Teri Petitt of Beaumont; her children: daughter, Rikki Gifford; her two sons, Cody and Cameron of Wimberley, Texas; daughter, Kelly and husband, Jason Thorn; their 2 sons, Cade and Cole of Montrose, Colorado; Cole currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, in the Marine Corps; son, Justin Petitt of Beaumont; Regina “Gigi” Posey and husband, James, of Beaumont; Steven Askew and wife, Gail, of Beaumont.

It’s no secret that Herb had a passion for the game of Golf, playing at every opportunity, He loved to invite friends, family and co-workers. He always saw it as a chance to collaborate, have fun and maybe even teach the lost art of patience and etiquette. He was an avid reader and loved spending time caring for his pup, Penelope.

Herb will always be remembered as a genuinely remarkable  person. He will be greatly missed and was dearly loved by all  those who  spent the time and truly got to know the man.

A gathering of Mr. Howell’s family and friends will be from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 24, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were held through Broussard’s Crematorium. At his request, Mr. Howell will be interred at Houston National Cemetery in in a private ceremony at a later date.