Warren Lee Howard

Warren Lee Howard, known to all by his nickname, Barry, Passed away on January 18, 2025 in Mansfield, Texas. He was born on July 7, 1941 in Los Angeles, California to Malvin Maxwell Howard and Blanche Lee Howard nee Simmons. After World War II, he and his family moved back to Texas where they lived in Brady for a few years before moving to Fort Worth, where he grew up and attended school.

 Barry was a member of the Polytechnic High School class of 1959 and an active member of its alumni association. He looked forward to participating in its annual homecoming parade and was honored to drive the car in which the school principal rode. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1961 until his honorable discharge in 1965. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was stationed in Alaska as a B-47E Stratojet bombardier with Strategic Air command. He felt that enlisting in the Air Force was one of the most important decisions he ever made as it provided the vocational education and training to support his family as well as the discipline and work ethic that characterized his entire life.

Following his discharge from the Air force, Barry went to work as an avionics manager for Braniff International. While working for the airlines, he began developing a product in his garage which ultimately led to the ownership of his own company. From those humble beginnings, Barry became a pioneer in the self-service gasoline business and held several patents in the gasoline and aviation industries including a pulsar that revolutionized the self-service fuel industry. He also consulted on the restoration of “Doc,” one of the two airworthy B-29 Superfortresses.

Barry enjoyed an active life. He was an avid golfer and one of the founding members of Walnut Creek Country Club. He served his community as a former Mansfield City Councilman, and he also held a private pilot’s license with 5000 hours of flight time.

He married Beverly Ann Howard nee Turner on July 22, 1960 and they were together until her death in 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jerome Maxwell Howard. He is survived by his sisters, Melinda Sue Howard Hill and Beth Howard, his daughters, Berrie Allen and her husband Chris and Elizabeth Howard. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren, Justin Ray, Addie Ray, Curt Allen and his wife Sarah as well as his precious great granddaughter, Sloane, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his very kind friends, Valerie and Jimmy Mantos who greatly enhanced the quality of his life.

Visitation: Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 1-3pm at Blessing Funeral Home, 401 Elm St. Mansfield, TX 76063.

The Family will respect his request for a private burial.