Howard Ray Lowe

Howard was born to Troy and Maggie Lowe on December 5, 1923 in Vallejo, California. Howard attended UT-Austin and was a true Longhorn wearing his burnt orange t-shirt at the end. His education was interrupted by World War II when he was commissioned by the University’s first NROTC class as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve in February 1944. Howard served in the European and Asiatic-Pacific combat zones during the war and was present at Normandy during the D-Day invasion. On a voyage following the war, Howard recalled seeing a smoking volcano on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. His curiosity was peaked and it led him to change his major from aeronautical engineering to geology, completing his degree in June of 1948. Howard would go on to serve in the Naval Reserve until 1958 and achieve the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Howard would go on to have a very successful career as a petroleum engineer; a profession that took him around the world. Howard was elected a national director of the Society of Petroleum Engineers from 1965 to 1969. He was selected one of its Engineers of Distinction in 1972 and belongs to its Legion of Honor. Howard was elected director of the US Navy League in 1980 and from 1980 to 1988, he was a member of the Geology Foundation Advisory Council.

Howard is survived by his wife, one son and four daughters. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. To each of them, he was their Vovo (Portuguese for grandpa). He was also a loving grandfather to Lillian’s family. Howard and Lillian had just celebrated their 31-year anniversary just prior to his passing.

Howard loved his Longhorns but really just loved sports in general. His mind was sharp until the end and he took pride in staying up with technology. Howard authored a number of papers and one of the last subjects he worked on was about climate change.

A memorial service is planned for 3:30 pm on July 13, 2024 at Discovery Village (3401 Amador Drive, Fort Worth, Texas). At a later date, military honors ceremony will be held at Yellowstone Veterans National Cemetery in Laurel, Montana and his ashes will be scattered at Grasshopper Glacier. In lieu of flowers, please donate to UT-Austin or your favorite veteran charity on his behalf.