James Howell Cawyer's Obituary
James Howell Cawyer passed away peacefully from this earth on Wednesday afternoon, March 20, just a few weeks after his 88th birthday.James was born on March 3, 1931 to John Roy and Annie Ruth Cawyer in Brownwood, Texas. After graduating from Brownwood High School in 1948, he attended Daniel Baker College for a year followed by a year at Abilene Christian College. When war broke out in Korea, he enlisted in the Air Force.He served in the Air Force Band in Korea and performed in many services and events, even playing for dignitaries including President Dwight D. Eisenhower. After completing his tour, he returned to Abilene Christian to complete his remaining two years, graduating in 1956 with a degree in Music Education and a minor in Accounting.After college, James moved to Odessa, Texas where he met and married Harlene Disch on November 23, 1957 in Midland. He worked for the Western Company for nine years before becoming a licensed CPA and joining a firm in Odessa. Over the next nine years they lived in Odessa; Wichita, Kansas; Winnemucca, Nevada; and Brownwood, Texas, finally settling in Dallas, Texas.As a CPA, he worked for several companies in the Dallas area eventually becoming the Controller at Valhi, Inc. He served in that role for almost 16 years until his retirement in 1991.While living in Dallas James, Harlene, and their family attended Walnut Hill Church of Christ for many years, eventually moving to Garland where they attended Saturn Road Church of Christ. James faithfully served as an elder at Saturn Road for 23 years and started the present day visitation program.James enjoyed many outdoor activities including hunting and running; he snow skied into his seventies and golfed into his eighties. He spent countless hours playing games with his family. He also enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, Harlene. He was particularly proud of his kids’ and grandkids’ achievements and attended more games, concerts, and recitals than can be counted.James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Harlene Cawyer; son Jim Cawyer and his wife Kelly of North Richland Hills, and their children Chase (wife Taryn, and children Camdyn, Callahan, Crew) and Corbin (wife Kristen); son John Cawyer and his wife Annette of Plano, and their children Jeff (wife Jaime and son Merritt), Jay (wife Tannah), and daughter Allie; and son Mark Cawyer and his wife Paige of Sugar Land, and their children Bryce and Camille.He was preceded in death by his parents John Roy Cawyer & Annie Ruth Beakley, brother JR (and his wife Nicola), sister Patsy (and her husband James Eubank), and sister June (and her husband Calvin Drake).James leaves behind three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, who were blessed to have known and loved him.A celebration of life will be held at 2pm Sunday, March 31, 2019 at Saturn Road Church of Christ. A private family burial will be held at DFW National Cemetery.
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