Howard grew up in the Marlboro Camp, north of La Ward, Texas graduating from Industrial High School. He was a member of the 1951 Cobra football team. Howard entered service in the United States Army where he proudly served overseas in Germany attaining the rank of Specialist 4th Class.

Following completion of his military service, Howard began a distinguished career with Humble Oil, which later became Exxon and then Exxon-Mobil.

Howard married Evelyn Trochta on April 8, 1967, where he gained two daughters, Sandy and Pam Calaway. Howard and Evelyn were blessed with 55 years of marriage before Evelyn’s passing on April 19, 2022. For over 50 years, his career was his greatest passion. He had lots of stories about being a part of the Alaskan Pipeline. He retired with the rank of Exxon-Mobil’s most Senior Drilling Superintendent. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church for over 50 years, Mason and a member of the Veterans of Foreign War.

In Howard’s spare time you could find him fishing at the bay or deer hunting

Howard Thompson, Jr.

August 26, 1935 — March 6, 2025

at his lease in Weedhaven. Howard and Evelyn made lots of memories travelling with family and friends. They had a deep love for travel and enjoyed going on cruises, always seeking new adventures and experiences across the world. Howard was a generous and compassionate man, always ready to lend a helping hand, whether through his kindness, his time, or his financial support to those in need.

He wanted what was best for his family and made sure that his grandchildren and great grandchildren had the financial means to attend college.

Howard is survived by his loving family, daughters: Pam Skalicky and Sandy Prochaska (Timmy); grandchildren: Shana Reyna (Gilbert), Kasey Cultra (Creed), Brandi Ritz (Blake), and Ty Skalicky; great-grandchildren: Kennedy Ritz, Conner Ritz, Sofia Reyna, and Hollyn Cultra; nephews: Steve Thompson (Michelle) and Bobby Joe; and nieces: Tina Dickerson (Patrick), Tammy Schronk (Chris), and Laura Lee Brault (Andrew). great nieces and nephews; Taylor Mohr (Ryan), Avery Dickerson, Mason Schronk, Tyler Schronk and Hunter Thompson.

Howard is preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, sister and brother-in-law Jeanette and Roland Gandy, brother and sister-inlaw Bobbie Joe and Betty Thompson, infant sister Betty Jean Thompson and son-in-law Don Skalicky.

A visitation was held on Tuesday March 11, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Ganado. A funeral service began at 10 a.m. Interment followed at Ganado City Cemetery.

Services entrusted to the Todish family of Ganado & Slavik Funeral Homes.

Pallbearers; Ty Skalicky, Blake Ritz, Conner Ritz, Gilbert Reyna, Steve Thompson, Hunter Thompson We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make Howard’s funeral possible and to all who cared for him along the way. Your kindness, support and generosity have meant so much to us during this difficult time.

We are deeply appreciative of every act of compassion whether through your presence, assistance or comforting words.

Thank you for honoring Howard’s life with us. To Kim and her staff at Grow and Grace your gentle care for Mr.T will never be forgotten. To Crown Hospice thank you for the excellent care in his final days.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church of Ganado P.O. Box 385