Michael Eral Howard was born on March 14, 1942 in Port Arthur, Texas to Clarence Eral Howard and Josephine Claire Bertin. His 80 years of life were exceptionally well-lived and he passed away peacefully on June 8, 2022. If you asked a hundred people who Mike Howard was, you might hear a hundred different amazing stories. Wordsmith. Businessman. Vietnam Veteran. Devoted husband. Loving father. #1 fan of his Westie, Dylan. Loyal friend and misfit. List maker. Irving legend. Advocate of free speech. Poker champion. Collector of autographed books and coins. Passionate about local politics. Netflix enthusiast. PGA fan. Proud Cajun. Perhaps he was all of these things and thats what made him so special. After attending Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Mike earned a BBA degree in Accounting from Lamar University where he met the love of his life, Judy. With so much honor for his country, Mike joined the Naval Reserve, gained entry into the Navys Officer Candidate School in Rhode Island, and continued his service aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. With so much love in his heart, he married Judy on June 11, 1966 before shipping out for Vietnam. After his time in the Navy, Mike and Judy found themselves deep in the heart of Texas. Mike loved the city of Irving and called it home for 54 years. He worked as an accountant for Tenneco Oil Company, he spent time at Olmsted-Kirk Paper Company, worked for North Lake College, and retired from Dallas County Community College as the Vice President of Business Services. He was also proud to serve as a City Councilman in Irving. He put his heart in everything that he did and there was no denying that his favorite role was being an incredible father to his children. Mike loved with a big love and his family was always at the top of his list. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Linthicum Howard. Mike is survived by his son, Patrick Howard; his daughter, Jennifer Howard; his brother, Bertin Howard; his sister-in-law, Frances Howard; his brother-in-law, James P. Linthicum III; and his sister-in-law, Rebecca Linthicum. A viewing is scheduled for Friday, June 10th at 6:00 p.m. at Donnellys Colonial Funeral Home in Irving. The funeral service will be held this Saturday, June 11th (Mike and Judys wedding anniversary) at 1:30 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Irving. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Mikes memory. He will be missed greatly, but those who were loved by Mike are blessed beyond measure. Graveside Service Saturday, June 11, 2022 12:30 PM Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park 5725 Colleyville Blvd. Colleyville, TX 76034 Memorial Service Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:30 PM Episcopal Church of the Redeemer 2700 Warren Circle Irving, Texas 75062