Adrian N. Howard

On January 20, 2024, Adrian Neil Howard, cherished father, grandfather and great - grandfather passed away at age 98 at home surrounded by loving family members in Mansfield, Texas.

Adrian was born on April 28, 1925, in Iredell, Texas to Ruby and Mastin Howard. He grew up in Stephenville, Texas and joined the Army at age 18. He proudly served with Troop B, 23rd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in the 16th Armored Division of the 3rd Army under the command of General George Patton during WWII. Adrian served as a gunner for a 6 wheeled armored scout vehicle. After discharge from the Army in 1946, Adrian moved to Arlington, Texas to begin a career as a tool and die maker and raise his own family. He worked for LTV and Gearhart Owens until retiring early to assist his son, Gary Howard, with his own business, Masonry Supply Inc., in Mansfield, Texas.

Adrian enjoyed restoring his 1955 Ford Thunderbird, playing games, growing many kinds of fruit trees, reading about WWII and teaching the younger generation to play shuffleboard. He especially loved spending time at Possum Kingdom Lake with his family. He will be remembered for his quick wit, twinkle in his eye and his never- ending search for that “perfect” chicken fried steak and “just right” brewed glass of iced tea.

Adrian was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Mastin Howard, and his six siblings. He is survived by his children, Jim Weldon Howard and his wife, Qin; Gary Howard, Gay Hawke and her husband, Jim. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sonya Howard, James Howard, Jaime Howard, Viola Li, Krystal Howard, Leeza Howard, Ethan Hawke and his wife, Ryan; Matthew Hawke and his wife, Nozomi; Samuel Hawke; and six great – grandchildren.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation and gratitude to caregivers, AJ and Pam, and to Community Healthcare of Texas.

A time of visitation will be held on February 5, 2024, from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Blessing Funeral Home, 401 Elm Street, Mansfield, Texas 76063.

Memorial services for Adrian will be held on February 6, 2024, at 11:00am at Blessing Funeral Home, 401 Elm Street, Mansfield, Texas 76063.

Burial will follow on February 6, 2024, at 1:00pm at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75236.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org)