Howard Lee Ludwig was born to Herman and Linda (Meyer) Ludwig in New Braunfels, Texas on March 4, 1930.  He passed away peacefully at his home in New Braunfels on Wednesday August 14, 2024, at age 94 from pneumonia and complications from a stroke.

Howard grew up in the Freiheit area in New Braunfels and attended country schools for his first years and then graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1947.  He spoke German as a first language and learned English in the schools.  He worked at the Freiheit Bowling club as a youngster as a pin boy setting up pins and helping at his parent's business, Ludwig's Store (now Freiheit Country Store).  He became an excellent 9 pin bowler and he enjoyed bowling with other local clubs for many decades.  After high school, Howard joined the US Navy and took the train from New Braunfels to San Diego, California for his basic training.  The highlight of his time in the Navy was serving on the aircraft carrier USS Antietam, CV 36.

After discharge, Howard remained in the Naval Reserves for 10 years.  In later years, Howard and wife Rose enjoyed attending USS Antietam reunions around the US.  He was a 72-year member of American Legion Post 179, of which he was very proud.  He was a lifetime member of the Albert Kypfer Hermann Son's Lodge, 106.  Howard always loved music, especially Big Band music like Lawrence Welk.  He played the drums in several local dance bands, The American Legion Band, post 179, and the Lee Elsik Orchestra for many years.

Howard married Delrose (Rose) Ristow in May 1961 at First Protestant Church in New Braunfels.  After returning from the Navy, Howard worked at United Gas Company, then Entex, and finally Centerpoint Energy and Reliant Energy and retired in 1992 after 42 years.  Howard was also a youth league baseball umpire for 30 years and had a lifelong love of baseball.  He was also a Comal County Sheriff's Deputy for many years and an avid deer hunter.  He had friends in this community that spanned decades including lifetime friends at the annual fishing camp on Lake Dunlap on Memorial Day weekend.

After retirement, Howard enjoyed traveling and especially cruising to Alaska, the Panama Canal and Hawaii. But mostly, watching countless Astro's baseball games while working in his home office, surrounded by photo memories of his long and full life.  He was also a Germania Insurance agent in New Braunfels after retirement for many years.

Howard was a kind and loving father to only daughter Melissa Renee.  He made school lunches, took her to kindergarten, drove the neighborhood carpool of girls during Freshman year in High School and was a steadfast and generous supporter as Melissa attended college at UT Austin and then Medical School and residency in Houston, Texas.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Nelson Ludwig and sister-in-law Vernell, sister Cecyle June and brother-in-law Arlind Blome, and sister Virgina and brother-in-law, Melvin Bading.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rose Ludwig and daughter, Dr. Melissa Ludwig, numerous nieces and nephews and beloved cat, Chauncey.

The family would like to thank Dad's devoted caregivers, Linda, Frances, Ana, Mary Ann, and Linda Crystal. Your love, support and professional care allowed dad to remain in his home and we are so grateful for all of you.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home in New Braunfels, Texas.

There will be a private burial at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas the following day.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of the New Braunfels area at hsnba.org.