Howard Allen Lout, 74 of Center passed away suddenly at his home on Saturday, April 11, 2020. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 14th with Bro. Andy Wilson officiating. Visitation will be held graveside at 10:30 prior to the service. Graveside is at Oaklawn Memorial Park.
Howard was born on May 21, 1945 in Dreka, Shelby County, Texas to Jewel Maxie Lout and Ruby Lee Payne Lout. He attended Shelbyville school through the 8th grade and graduated from Center High School in 1964. He also attended Stephen F. Austin State University.
Shortly after graduation Howard joined the US Air Force and served his country in Okinawa, Japan and in Vietnam in Saigon during the infamous Tet Offensive. He was discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1968.
In July of 1968, Howard met the love of his life, Mary Lou Bussey of Center. They were married December 23, 1969 and just celebrated their 50th Wedding anniversary.
Howard began his 45-year-career as furniture salesman working for brother-in-law John Dean Windham at Windham Home Furnishings in Center in 1970. In 1978 he and his wife, Mary Lou opened Lout Furniture Showrooms where they worked together building the business until 1990. Howard also worked for Ivan Smith Furniture, where he was recognized as top salesman many times. He retired in 2015.
The joys of Howard’s life were his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed telling them all stories of when he was a little country boy growing up in the Dreka community. They relished time together cooking, gardening, fishing and especially going to his favorite place - The Beach - with Paw. He was incredibly proud of his family keeping in constant contact with them almost daily.
Howard was a member of Center First United Pentecostal Church, where he was head of the usher ministry for many years. This position was perfect for him, as he loved people and never met a stranger. He had an incredible memory and never forgot a face, a name or his hundreds of faithful customers in the furniture business. He counted his customers as his friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Billy Mack and Bruce Lout, and in-laws Mac and Mattie Lou Bussey.
Survivors include:
Wife, Mary Lou Lout
Daughter, Belita and Charles Bordwine
Daughter, Susan and Brandon Penick
Daughter, Joanna and Del Birdwell
Son, Charlie and Rachel Lout
Grandchildren:
Mallory and Cody Russell
Morgan and Garret Hill
Bethany Birdwell and fiance, Matt Arnett
Brynna Birdwell and boyfriend, Taylor Talavera
Levi Birdwell
Aidan Lout
Keaton Lout
Maddox Lout
Amber Bordwine
Maddie Bordwine
Savanah Bordwine
Bodey Bordwine
Brother, Tommy Lee Lout
Sister, Linda and Frank Dreyer
And a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Pallbearers will be Levi Birdwell, Aidan Lout, Del Birdwell, Cody Russell, Brandon Penick, Garret Hill and Taylor Talavera.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Richard Tomlin, Mike Lengl, Jeff McDaniel, Billy Rodgers, James Wiggins, Juan Salvador, Warren McDaniel, Kenneth Lout, Randy Alford
Arrangements are under the direction of Watson and Sons Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnel2Towers.org or the charity of your choice.