Howard Taylor Harris

Howard Taylor Harris, 91, of Robertson County, Texas, passed away on Veterans’ Day, November 11, 2023. He was born on April 11, 1932, in Allen County, Kansas, near the town of LaHarpe, where he lived on a farm with his family until 1952, when he left to enlist in the Air Force.

Howard Harris served his country as a military officer in the Air Force from 1952 to 1975, dedicating 23 years of his life to his service. He began his career as a pilot, receiving his wings and commission as a 2nd lieutenant in 1954. Throughout his service, he held various roles, including instructor pilot, aircraft maintenance, flight test maintenance officer, and project officer for the Gemini Launch Vehicle for the Space Program, taking him and his family to different locations such as Oklahoma, San Marcos, Wiesbaden (Germany), Dayton (Ohio), and Los Angeles (California). While in Oklahoma he received his bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma State University. Then he went on to the Air Force Institute of Technology and graduated with a Masters Degree in Reliability Engineering. In 1967, he was sent to DaNang AFB (South Vietnam) as a Major where he was an Aircraft Commander in the F-4 Phantom Fighter. Howard flew 158 combat missions, 100 of which were over North Vietnam. Upon his return from Vietnam, he was assigned to the Royal Air Force, London (England), from 1968 to 1971, as a Systems Development Officer for the Harrier Project, where he made significant contributions to the maneuverability and operational capability of the aircraft. Howard was promoted to Lt. Col. in 1970 and served as Chief of Safety at Wright Patterson AFB (Ohio) and Deputy Director in the Munitions System Program Office at Eglin AFB (Florida) until his retirement in 1975. He was recognized throughout his career for his bravery and notable accomplishments, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and Air Medal in Vietnam, as well as twelve more Air Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, and an Air Force Commendation Medal.

After retiring from the Air Force, Howard and his family returned to Texas. He earned is Commercial Pilots License and worked at Easterwood Airport as one of the Directors. Then he went back to school and earned his real estate and broker license to work with Culpepper Realty. He worked in real estate for a few years before settling on a farm, where they raised livestock. Howard, Patsy, and Cindy moved back into town, enjoying their hobbies of golfing, bowling, fishing, and traveling. Howard was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Bryan.

Howard was a devoted family man, making every decision with his wife and family in mind. He took great pride in his family, including his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Patsy Jo Martin, his daughters, Diana Lee Werner and husband Ronny, Cynthia Sue Harris, and Melinda Marie Montgomery and husband Bill. He cherished his grandchildren Crystal Diane Siegert and husband Chris, William Taylor Breihan, Bradley Wayne Hudson and wife Shayann, Sarah Werner Korpita, Rachel Werner Jones and husband Chris, Erin Werner Watt, Hannah Werner, Lauren Montgomery, and Lindsey Montgomery Bogard and husband Randy and his eleven great-grandchildren. Howard also had a close bond with his sister-in-laws, Peggy Cooper and Aileene Martin, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Marie Harris, and siblings Wayne Harris and his wife Betty, Sam Harris and his wife Evelyn, Alice Upshaw and her husband Howard, and Margaret Lee Thomas and her husband Tommy. Also, Howard will be greeted in heaven by his in laws, Blossom and Lloyd Martin, sister- in-law Pepper and her husband Gene, brother-in-law Lloyd Martin, Jr. and his wife Norma Jean, brothers-in-law Roy Martin and Edwin Cooper, and great-grandson, Eli Korpita.

In memory of Howard Taylor Harris, contributions can be made to one of his favorite charities. Please consider donating to the Vietnam Veterans of America (vva.org/donate); the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/);
or, the American Legion (https://mylegion.org/) instead of sending flowers.

The funeral arrangements are entrusted to Callaway-Jones Funeral Center in Bryan, Texas.

Howard Taylor Harris will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His dedication to his country, his love for his family, and his unwavering faith will always be remembered and cherished.