In Memory

Lynn Howden

Lynn Howden

 

 

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Former Longhorn Lynn Howden dies after heart attack

Posted October 14th, 2020

Kirk Bohls American-Statesman Staff

 @kbohls

Lynn Howden, a center on the Texas basketball team in the early 1970s, suffered a massive heart attack during an extended stay in an Austin hospital for a broken hip and died Tuesday night, the school announced.

Howden was a three-year letterman for the Longhorns from 1969-1972 and still holds the school’s single-game record of 24 rebounds that he set as a junior against Florida State on Dec. 1, 1970.



 | Men's Basketball

Former Men’s Basketball player Lynn Howden passes away

Howden was a three-year letterwinner in the early 1970s and still holds the school’s single-game rebounding record.


AUSTIN, Texas — Lynn Howden, a former University of Texas men's basketball player, passed away on Tuesday in Austin. Howden was 72 years old.

Howden was a three-year letterwinner at center for Texas (1970-72). He still owns the UT single-game record for most rebounds with 24 in a home game against Florida State on Dec. 1, 1970. His 11.0 rebounds per game average for the 1970-71 season is tied for the fourth-highest single-season mark in school history.

During his senior year in 1971-72, Howden and the Longhorns posted a 19-9 overall record (10-4 Southwest Conference), earned a share of the SWC regular-season title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16. Howden spent his freshman season at LSU in 1967-68, before attending South Texas Junior College in 1968-69.

Born on March 22, 1948, Howden is survived by his wife, Debi, and their children: Sarah, Bethany, Abby and Sam. Bethany was a two-time All-American and four-year letterwinner on the Texas Volleyball team (2001-04).



Obituary

LYNN HOWDEN
March 22, 1948 – October 13, 2020

Lynn was born in Pittsburgh, PA on March 22, 1948 and was called home to Heaven on October 13, 2020. Lynn’s parents, his twin sister, Linda and his older brother, Dudley moved to Houston when Lynn was 2 years old. As they say, “he wasn’t born in Texas, but got here as fast as he could.” He loved being in Texas, loved the state, its history and his team, the Longhorns.

Lynn went to Waltrip High School (class of ’67) where he fined tuned his skill and love for basketball. Highly recruited, he played freshman ball at LSU, and then lettered his last three years at the University of Texas. He loved the sport, his teammates, and his coach. He graduated from the School of Communications. He went on to manage several small companies, and then to his last and favorite occupation of building and remodeling homes in the Austin area.

Lynn was very active in his church, Austin Ridge Bible Church, (loving to greet folks into the church with handshakes and high fives), supporting Young Life, and attending Community Bible Study. If he had a hobby it would have been collecting coins, but more than a hobby, he loved his family. He remained a personal part of his grown children’s daily lives, helping them in any and every way he could. And when his seven grandchildren came along, he was tireless in swinging them, teaching them chess, how to use a table saw, and throwing “snakes” in the yard (gummy snakes) for them to find. He was so loved by them as well, they would fight over who got to go to the dump to empty his orange trailer full of used building materials. He loved sharing the “feeding of his deer” and filling the bird feeders with each grandkid. He has left quite a legacy and very large (size 15) shoes to fill and he will be incredibly missed. He also loved taking road trips with Debi, enjoying the history on the route and the scenery they passed. It wasn’t just about the destination, but the journey as well. They went often to Colorado to visit dear friends at their cabin. These were his most marked and enjoyed trips.

Lynn and Debi met at U.T., as Debi worked part-time in the ticket office at Gregory gym. During his basketball practices, Lynn would often stick his head in the ticket window, telling his jokes and one liners. One girl couldn’t resist. They were married 47 years, and blessed with four amazing children, Sarah Peters (husband, Alan Peters, children: Camden 14, Nolan 12, Mabry 10, Meryl 8), Samuel (wife Sarah, son Samuel Lynn 9 months), Bethany (husband Andrew Tomasik, Andrew 7, Asher 5) and Abby Howden and future husband, Richard Hoey, who has felt like a part of the family from the start.

Sometimes it seemed to be Lynn’s ambition in life was to make people laugh, which broke many barriers, and developed great friendships. The people in the convenience stores knew him, the bank, even the check in lady at the “dump.” He was very accepting of others, even giving out of luck workers a second chance on his jobs. He loved the art of watching a home go from a slab frame stage to a finished home and especially later on helping others remodel their homes into an updated style. His patience was always apparent and appreciated. He also entertained all his clients as well as his associates in the business.

Lynn lived life well, finished well. He was pretty content to just go with the flow in life. He was a comfortable man, only having strong convictions in his faith, politics and sports. Other than that he had a most humble and servant’s heart. He will be missed by all, his loving wife, children, grandchildren, friends, and those he had barely met.

The family members will soon post their personal thoughts.

The family would also want to thank all of our friends for their enormous outpouring of love and prayer. We could not have made it through this far without you or the grace, direction, and provision that God has provided. We can have peace and assurance of an eternal life spent with Jesus and know that Lynn sits in his presence now. We have often commented during this week of those who do not have the hope of a life and eternity spent with the redemption found only in Christ. We are thankful that Lynn had these things. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your texts, calls, cards and the love shown to our family.

We are in the process of firming up the time of the memorial service, and will post that soon. A celebration service will be held at Austin Ridge Bible church and it will also be streamed.

You may leave a message for the family by clicking here.

https://www.hookem.com/story/20201014/former-longhorn-lynn-howden-dies-heart-attack/



 
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10/18/20 04:51 PM #8    

Gayla Northcutt (Hoopingarner)

I am so very sad to learn of Lynn's passing!!  We were in school together our whole life!!  Stevens --Black and of course Waltrip!!  He was such a special person.  He was an instant friend to everyone he met and was such a caring and compassionate person!!  What a talent he was on the basketball court!!  Prayers and blessings to his family and friends! 


10/19/20 01:05 PM #9    

Pat Clooney (King)

What a great guy!  It is SO comforting to hear all the wonderful comments about Lynn and to know that he IS a BELIEVER.  I have the CONFIDENCE that he is in a MUCH better place than we are & that I WILL see him again!  He is Face to Face with our Lord and Savior in his perfectly healed, heavenly body.  Still, he will be missed by many.  I love that his family wants us ALL to have the same HOPE, PEACE and ETERNAL LIFE!  Until we meet again... 


10/19/20 01:59 PM #10    

Robin Bracher (Smith)

So very sorry to read about Lynn - what a comprehensive obituary, which said it best: "he was a comfortable man...."   In high school, fun to be around, always kind - and still warm and easy to be with when I last saw him, at one of the reunions.  Does anyone have a mailing address for his family please?


10/19/20 02:13 PM #11    

Olivia (Libbey) Hilliard (Scheible)

Lynn was a wonderful friend who always made me laugh!  I'll miss you!


10/19/20 05:40 PM #12    

Don Sony

I met him in High school, I remember helping in Geometry class. John Wienstein and I with Lynn did a few things together. He did some work for my Dad job. Helping un;loading lumber out of a railroad car, behind the Garden Oaks theater. He earned some extra bucks.

It is sad but I feel blessed to have the opportunity to know Lynn, not like several people did. But the memories were good.

Unfortunately we are starting to lose many calssmates. But as long as we remember they will never die.


10/20/20 10:15 AM #13    

Jeff Baker (Baker)

Lynn was a great friend, husband, father and family man - plus a great basketball player back in the day. He was a very special friend - genuine, caring, loyal, giving and compassionate.

10/20/20 06:34 PM #14    

Gary Armbrister

Sad to hear the news about Lynn's passing.  He was a one of kind great guy and firend to all. We meet at Stevens elementary many years ago and he probaly still is the all time kick ball player that passed through Stevens.   He could kick the ball on the roof of Mrs Thompson 6th grade class with easy not one else could. Well maybe David Yaege on his best day.

RIP Jeep.

 


10/21/20 11:32 AM #15    

Ronald Scott

Lynn was a great friend -- always kind, friendly and thoughtful --- and funny too. Thought of him as a "gentle giant" --- most of us did have to look up at him! And what a giant on the basketball court! He was a groomsman in my wedding and friend all through high school and college--- my blessing indeed.


10/21/20 10:32 PM #16    

Cliff Meggers

I grew up with Lynn. Great friend and competitor. He had a good sense of humor and made me laugh a lot. God bless you, Lynn


10/27/20 01:38 PM #17    

Barbara Wilson (Watson)

Lynn was a dear friend during our days at Waltrip and Black.  He always greeted you with a big smile and happy eyes.  When Hayden and I lived in Austin, we would run into each other occasionally.  Lynn never changed---always with a big smile and lots of stories about his wonderful family.  We will all miss you Lynn.

 


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