Howard Lee Dukes
December 30, 1928 - October 17, 2016

Dukes, Howard Lee
Howard Lee Dukes peacefully passed into the loving arms of God on Monday, October 17, 2016, while working at home in his yard in Kyle, Texas. He was 87 years young.
Howard leaves behind his dedicated wife of 63 years, Eula Jane (Richardson) Dukes; his loving daughter Cindy Rector and her husband Ken; his granddaughter Amy Leigh and grandson Jason; and his great-grandchildren Evelyn, Stella Rose, and Rowan.
Howard was born on Sunday, December 30, 1928, to Joe Alton and Minnie Cossette (Johnson) Dukes in Troup, Texas. He graduated from Jefferson High school in Houston, Texas, and then attended the University of Houston for about two years. Howards love of learning was evident throughout his life. Howard was an avid reader, and he possessed an amazing memory. He was particularly fond of history, and he was an authority on ancient history and civilizations.
Howard had an admirable work ethic and was a man of many talents. Following college, he worked in the computer department at Humble Oil and then enlisted in the Navy, where he served from 1948 to 1951 before being honorably discharged. He served as a delivery and sales person for Frito and then as an insurance salesman for Prudential (and other) insurance companies.
Howard was a successful businessman and entrepreneur, but the best measure of his life is not from his economic successes, but rather the love he had for others.
Howard married Eula Jane Richardson on Saturday, December 27, 1952, and they worked together for the next 63 years. Together, Howard and Jane built their own home in Spring, Texas.
Howard loved to be outside, and he created beautiful gardens, complete with stone and concrete terraces. Howard and Jane opened a plant nursery named Spring Sprig Shop in 1973. Howard built all of the greenhouses at Spring Sprig Shop and sold flowers and vegetable starts.
Howard always made time to help others, and he could often be found explaining the intricacies of gardening to his customers. Howard and Jane closed Spring Sprig Shop in 1994 and moved to Pipe Creek, Texas. Howard continued landscaping and terracing his yard in Pipe Creek, and he worked tirelessly to improve and enhance the natural beauty of their hill country home.
Anyone who knew Howard knew he loved to sing. He shared his love of music with others throughout his life. Howard loved to visit local nursing homes, where he sang old favorites for an hour at a time, dazzling residents with his strong voice.
Howard loved God, and he served his local churches by serving in a variety of roles, including leading music and teaching Bible study classes and Sunday School. Howard also put his handyman skills to work at church, rewiring, maintaining the building, and performing landscaping.
Howard loved to have fun and spend time with his family. When he wasnt working outdoors or helping others in the community, he could be found at his wooden game table, playing games, telling stories, and laughing and joking with his family. He lived an extraordinary life.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Howards memory to Hays Hills Baptist Church - Memorials 1401 N FM 1626 in Buda, Texas 78610 (http://hayshills.com/give).

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