Howard Herbert Petrich

Howard Herbert Petrich, 71, died on October 29, 2012, at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born November 6, 1940, in Hallettsville, Texas, to William and Landa Petrich. Howard grew up in Hallettsville, Texas, where he was a four-sport star at Hallettsville High School in football, baseball, basketball, and track. Howard received a football scholarship to the University of Texas in 1959 where he attended for a year before transferring to Texas A&I University in Kingsville and continuing his football career.Howard began a 35-year career with Shell Oil Company in 1964 at Gohlke Field outside of Victoria, Texas where he worked for 17 years before transferring with Shell to McAllen, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley. He spent the remaining 18 years with Shell in McAllen and retired as an Operations Specialist in 1999.Howard met Joyce Burtis in 1966. They were married on June 11, 1967. That date holds special significance as it is both his son and daughter-in-laws wedding date and his daughter-in-laws parents wedding date. Howard and Joyce celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this past June.Howard served his country in the U.S. Army. In 1967, his unit was called to active duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged.Howard spent much time with their son Stacey typically centered around sports and hunting. Hours were spent throwing passes and catching fastballs. Dove hunting and fishing also made for time together with father and son. Howard did not miss one of Staceys games of football, baseball, or basketball and that continued after high school making Saturday afternoons to Lubbock and around the Southwest Conference watching Stacey play for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.Howard loved his grandchildren Griffin, Madison, and Shelby Petrich. He spent countless hours at baseball, basketball, football, and volleyball games. Howard was so proud of each of them and their accomplishments.Howard was soft-spoken and made an impact on several people. He made an impact with those that knew him for his selflessness and his generosity. Most stories unknown as he did not want credit for the things he did for others.Howard was a member of Christ Church Midland.He was preceded in death by his parents, William Paul and Landa Petrich; and sister, Vivian Petrich Bradshaw.He is survived by Joyce (his wife of 45 years); his son and daughter-in-law Stacey and Lori Petrich, grandson Griffin, granddaughters Madison and Shelby all of Midland, Texas; his brother Vernon Petrich and wife Elda Mae of Yoakum, Texas; his brother Bill Petrich and wife Marie of Austin, Texas; niece Shari Mikes of Shiner, Texas; niece Michelle Reed of Blue Springs, Missouri; nephew Mike Petrich of Burns, Oregon; nephew Paul Petrich of Georgetown, Texas; and nephew Mark Petrich of Austin, Texas.Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 31st from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 1st at 1:00 P.M. at Christ Church Midland, 5501 N. Midkiff Road with Fr. Jonathan Hartzer and Fr. Eric Vowles officiating. A reception will follow at the church. A military burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park at 3:30 P.M.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486 on check memo line note in memory of, Hospice of Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, Texas 79702, or Christ Church Midland, 5501 N. Midkiff Road, Midland, Texas 79705.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,