Howard Mahle Obituary

Howard Arleigh Mahle, Jr. was born in Slaton, TX on May 20, 1928, to Howard and Alice Mahle, Sr. and passed from this life on July 20, 2019 in Houston, TX at the age of 91. He was the older brother to four sisters: Audrey Martin (deceased), Janey Middleton (deceased), Carron Shelton and Connie Webb. He spent his early years living in Canyon and Lubbock, TX. Baptized at age 11, Howard was a lifelong Christian.

Howard was also a lifelong student, earning his undergraduate degree with combined studies at Abilene Christian College and Texas Technological University, a Master of Arts in Education from Pepperdine College, and later a Master of Arts in Religion from Pepperdine University.

Howard proudly served his country during the Korean War as part of the U.S. Navy with stations in Boston, MA; Providence, RI; and Bremerton, WA. In Bremerton, he met and married Gloria L. Hanson (one of the best decisions he ever made!). They were married 48 years before her passing in 2001.

After his Naval service, Howard worked for the Boeing Company in Washington State. After preaching part-time at Mountlake Terrace, Washington, he decided to enter the ministry full-time. In 1961, he took his first preaching position in Dinuba, CA. Howard and Gloria made quite a team faithfully serving congregations in Prescott, Arizona; Inglewood, California; and Albuquerque, New Mexico before settling in Houston in 1973. He preached at the Heights Church of Christ until 1980, then became the education minister at Bammel Church of Christ. He served at Bammel for 25 years before retiring in 2005 at the age of 77. Howard will especially be remembered for the Bible classes he led and for the hospital visitations, comfort and encouragement that he and Gloria provided for so many.

Following his retirement, Howard enjoyed traveling the world, often solo, but never without company, making friends across the globe. Howard's greatest delight though was his family. He loved time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandsons, especially if a good meal or ice cream was involved. Howard is survived by his daughter Lanette Mahle Ball and husband, Donald "Buzz" Ball, of Neosho, MO; his son, Jay Mahle and wife, Carla, of Spring, TX; his four grandchildren Jeremy Ball (wife Amber), Emily Ball Ripley, Amanda Mahle (fiance Derek Marshall ) and Rebecca Mahle Klingaman (husband Landon); and two great-grandsons Adian and Noah Ball; and a host of extended family and friends who enriched his life greatly.

In lieu of flowers, Howard requested donations be made to Lifeline Chaplaincy (Houston) or Eastern European Missions.