Howard Platte

KERRVILLE -Howard Jean Platte, 82, of Kerrville, TX passed away on March 31, 2015 after a long illness.

Howard was born in New York City on March 4, 1933. He was the only child of Harry C. Platte and Augusta Braun Platte. He grew up in White Plain, New York and graduated from White Plains High School. His father died when he was 10 years old and his grandparents, Elizabeth and Jean Braun were an important part of his life. Howard graduated from St. Lawrence University and received his Ph D in Organic Chemistry from the University of Florida in 1962. He married Edna in 1959 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

He was an organic chemist and research leader with Texaco in Port Arthur, Nalco Chemical in Sugar Land, Baker International and Agua Process Chemicals in Houston. His professional career included refinery process chemical and oil field chemicals. He liked working with the sales and marketing departments and their customers to learn the chemicals needed in the petroleum industry and then develop new products, markets and applications for these chemicals.

Howard and Edna enjoyed living in Kerrville for thirteen years. He was a Texas Master Naturalist and a Texas Master Gardener. Howard especially enjoyed nature, yard activities, building things, travel and walking his big black dog, Gus. German genealogy was his passion and he spent many hours developing his family tree.

He is survived by his wife Edna and their children Elizabeth Reyes and husband Manuel of Coral Cables, Florida; Caroline Hill and husband Brent of Las Vegas, Nevada and son, Frederick Platte of LaVernia, TX who was his major caregiver during his illness. His grandchildren are Isabella Reyes, Manuel Reyes, Spencer Hill, Parker Hill, Mason Hill, and Conner Hill.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 1:30 PM at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 320 St. Peter St., Kerrville, Texas 78028.

In lieu of floral tributes, memorials may be forwarded to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 320 St. Peter St., Kerrville, Texas 78028 or Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St., Kerrville, TX 78028.

The Platte Family also wishes to thank the caring people of Peterson Hospice for the many months of assistance they provided.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.kerrvillefuneralhometx.com by selecting Obituaries. Select "Sign Guestbook" at the bottom of the individual memorial.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. (830) 895-5111

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