Howard Leonza Flewellen was born July 15, 1915 in Mineola, Texas to the parentage of John Flewellen and Alice Hutson. He is the fifth of eleven children. In 1925, his family, who were sharecroppers made Terrell, Texas their home.
Howard served his country in World War II as a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army. His military career lasted from 1942-1946. He was sent to England for 105 days and 19 days after D-Day, landed on French soil. He served with General Patton's Third Army and was with them when they crossed the Rhine River in Germany. He received three Battle Stars during his military services. After his military career, he was employed at Jarvis Rutledge Furniture Company for 22 years. After which, he was employed at Terrell Independent School District as a Service Technician.
Howard always dreamed of someday completing his college education, but 32 years would pass before the opportunity presented itself again. In 1971, at the age of 52, he resumed his college education, this time at East Texas State College in Commerce, Texas (today known as Texas A & M University, Commerce). He received his teaching certificate and taught General Mechanical Repair for 22 years in Terrell ISD before retiring in 1992.
He married the love of his life, Edith A. Gray-McDonald on May 6, 1995. This was a marriage that lasted for 22 "Blessed" years until he was called home to glory!
Howard was a Deacon at Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church, where he was known as the "Kissing Bandit" because he kissed and gave hugs to all the ladies. He was a licensed Deacon for 65 years; a 33rd Degree Mason since 1975; inducted into Terrell Tiger Hall of Fame for Track and Field 1931-1935; inducted into Burnett High School Hall of Fame and many, many other certificates of acclaim throughout the community and state.
Howard loved life and enjoyed it to its fullest. He told everyone he met, first, how old he was and second, there is nothing better in life than Retirement, if you are ready for it, but going to heaven.
Howard celebrated his 102nd birthday, July 15, 2017 with his wife Edith and six generations of family and friends.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents, John Flewellen and Alice Hutson, 10 siblings, 1 son (Howard L. Flewellen, Jr.) and 1 grandson (Ricky L. Flewellen). He leaves to cherish his beloved wife, Edith Flewellen, 1 daughter – Sonja Adams (Stanley); 1 son – Vernon McDonald (Sheila); special daughter in law – Katie Flewellen; 6 grandchildren – Sherry, Cassandra, Vickey, Marie, April all of Dallas, TX and 1 special niece, Evelyn Wright, 18 great grandchildren; 30 great-great grandchildren; 4 great-great-great grandchildren and a host of family and friends whom he loved dearly.
