Howard Cormier

Howard James 'Deacon' Cormier, 93, of Bridgeport, Texas passed from this life on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 in Bridgeport, to join his heavenly Father and first wife, Mildred Pauline Williams Cormier. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, April 20, 2012 at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, just outside San Angelo, Texas. Bro. Dunn will officiate. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 19 in the chapel at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport, Texas. Howard was born December 19, 1918, in Gueydan, LouisIana to Adam and Beatrice Cormier. He was the third of five children, all of whom predeceased him. Howard graduated from high school in Vinton, Louisiana, in 1937. After business school he was employed in the hotel and shipbuilding businesses. During 1941, he met and married Mildred Pauline Williams and joined Halliburton Oil Well Cementing Company. He and the family moved to West Texas in 1944. Because of his dedication to church and family, he quickly became known in the oil field as "Deacon." Kermit, Texas, was the first of many towns where the family lived, followed by Odessa, Big Spring, Andrews, Colorado City, Snyder, San Angelo, Andrews again, Crane and finally Rankin. Howard retired from Halliburton in 1981 as a senior services field man. Shortly after his retirement, his wife of 42 years passed away. In 1983, Howard met Faye Winn Houchins of Rankin, Texas, and they married March 9, 1984. They moved to Bridgeport in 1996. Many years of shared happiness were enjoyed. Howard is survived by his wife, Faye, along with her family; his two sons, Darvis Cormier and his wife, Betty of Horseshoe Bay, Texas, and Paul Cormier and his wife Beverly of San Angelo; grandchildren Todd Cormier of Arlington, Texas, Marty Cormier and his wife Jaime of Mertzon, Texas, and Mindy Davis and her husband Joey of San Angelo; great grandchildren Tayte & Presli Cormier of Mertzon; along with numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. In addition to the many lives brightened by Deacon over the years, he remained steadfast in his faith and love of family, including his extended family that took him in as one of their own. The Texas oil field has lost a dedicated soul; yet heaven will be brighter by his presence. His many friends and family will miss him greatly. The family wishes to thank all who cared for him, and all the friends that have made this passing easier. We would also like to thank Becky Bradshaw for her special care and love for Dad during the last few years. May the oilfield fires burn a little brighter during our time of sorrow. Thanks be to God.