William Howard Van Hook

W. Howard Van Hook passed away peacefully on Sunday September 4, 2011 at the age of 88. Howard was born on October 26, 1922 in Somerset, Kentucky, and came to Texas to attend Texas A&M University (Class of ‘45). After serving as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Europe during WWII, he graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. He entered the oil and gas industry working with Magnolia Petroleum Company, Mobil Chemical Company, Merichem Chemical Company, eventually retiring in 1985 as Manager of Petrochemical Feedstocks after 15 years with ARCO Chemical Company.

He was a wonderful husband and dad, devoting much of his life and heart to his wife, kids, and grandkids. He was an avid golfer (single digit handicap), later trading in his clubs for many hours spent watching his grandkids participate in various sports and activities. He never totally abandoned his Kentucky roots, however, loving to spend vacations back in Somerset seeing his family and friends, and attending the Alexander and Van Hook reunions. Most of all, as a follower of Jesus, he instilled Christian values, strong work ethic, and conservative ideology in his family, and we celebrate his passage into eternal life.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents Hobart and Amanda Van Hook, brothers Merle and Carl Van Hook, and sister Lois Ann Combs. He is survived by Johnnye Ruth Briscoe Van Hook, his wife of 64 years, three sons, Karl and wife Jan, Kyle and wife Loyce, and Kevin and wife Dana, brothers Joe and Ed Van Hook, sister, Virginia Eastham, grandchildren Josh and wife Kelly, Taylor, Kristin, Clay and wife Selena, Vanessa and husband Scott, Olivia, Andy, and Catherine, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, Texas. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Champions Fellowship, 304 E. Lubbock St., Brenham, Texas. Burial will be at Moody Cemetery, Moody, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Still Creek Ranch, 6055 Hearne Road, Bryan, Texas 77808 (http://www.stillcreekranch.org/).

Services are in care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham,Texas 77833. 979-836-3611 www.brenham-memorial-chapel.con