In Memoriam
San Antonio leader and influential member of H-E-B family passes away
San Antonio has lost a beloved community leader. According to a statement from the H-E-B family, Howard E. Butt Jr. passed away at the age of 89 in his home Sunday.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of my brother, Howard," said H-E-B CEO Charles Butt in the statement. "His decades of inspired leadership, philanthropy, and humanitarian efforts will forever be missed by our family and those he impacted across the U.S."
Howard was an integral part of the H-E-B empire, for decades serving as president of the H.E. Butt Foundation. One of the earliest private foundations in Texas, the H.E. Butt Foundation served as a vehicle for philanthropic contributions to south Texas communities.
Howard also served as vice chairman of the H-E-B Board for many years. The Kerrville native and Baylor University graduate also was a cornerstone of San Antonio's faith community, founding the Laity Lodge Retreat Center in the Hill Country and the Layman's Leadership Institute.
Howard is survived by his wife, Barbara; siblings Eleanor Butt Crook and Charles Butt; three children; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
