Howard Marshall Penner

Howard Marshall Penner passed away on May 3, 2024 at the age of 63 in Houston, Texas. 

Howard is survived by his wife, Nancy Kant Penner; his children, Katie Penner (Brian Snook) and Rachel Penner; his grandchildren, Riley Snook and Archie Snook; his brother, Murry Penner (Karen Penner); his sister, Shari Penner; his step-mother, Judy Penner; his aunt and uncle, Charles and Barbara Hurwitz, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ellen Hurwitz Penner and Morris “Sonny” Penner; and his loving in-laws, Walter and Dorothy Kant.

Howard was born in San Antonio on June 12, 1960. His family moved to Houston when he was 9-years-old. He attended Bellaire High School and was on the debate team. He then received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and, later, received a Master’s degree and teaching certificate from the University of Houston.  

On March 13, 1988, he married the love of his life, Nancy. The two met through mutual friends at a bowling alley and Howard proposed 3 years later at Crater Lake in Oregon. The couple traveled a lot - camping all over the United States. 

Howard was an educator and had a passion for teaching AP Economics and Government at Eisenhower, Elkins, and Bellaire. He earned teacher of the year at Eisenhower and won over the hearts of many students who have reached out regularly throughout the years. He was also recognized as the best dressed teacher, which was an expression of his pride in his father’s and brother’s men’s clothing store, M Penner. 

Inspired by his mother’s philanthropic efforts, Howard was a giver. He collected aluminum cans for charity, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and was active in the Lovett Elementary PTO. Nancy cooked extra food for the holidays so that he could put together to-go boxes for the homeless and he was consistently looking for ways to help others. 

In 2021, Howard and Nancy followed their dream of living in the mountains and moved to Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Howard picked up several hobbies in New Mexico - he started a business with his wife, enjoyed selling their fire starters at local markets, loved painting, being surrounded by nature with his dogs, chopping wood, and hot tubbing in the snow. 

His wife, daughters, grandchildren, and dogs brought him immense joy in life. He embraced Nancy’s parents and siblings as his own. Howard was a free-spirit who loved music, sports, and he truly never met a stranger. While the amount of dogs others brought to his home over the years would alarm others, Howard somehow convinced Nancy to take them in every time. He spoke often of his many friends over the years and he loved sharing stories. 

Howard danced to the melody, not the beat - he lived and loved freely.

For those wishing to honor Howard's memory, the family asks for donations to the ASPCA or the mental health charity of your choice.