Howard D Neighbor

Howard Neighbor – Emeritus Professor University of Texas Howard Duncan Neighbor born September 18th, 1926 died, at the age of 84, September 3rd, 2011 in Albuquerque, New Mexico after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Howard is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Diane (David Leeds) Neighbor, son Dana (Leslie) Neighbor, grandchildren Bryce, Grant and Zahnie, sisters Catherine Harris and Carol (Greg) Neighbor and brother Charles Neighbor. He is also survived by his step-children John (Anne) Kocian, Diane Teeling, Karen Odell, Louis Kocian and Richard Kocian and step- grandchildren Richard, Lisa, Amanda, Russell, Katherine and Kimberly and one great grandchild Clayton. Howard was a person of integrity that commanded respect from his family and peers. Howard was a champion of civil rights, fair political representation and environmental protection. He had an infectious laugh, and a melodious speaking voice. Howard greeted the world with a smile and an attitude of mutual respect. Howard was born to Josephine and Henry Neighbor in Iola, Kansas. Howard attended College at Kansas State University obtaining an undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism. While he was getting his education and journalism career started he served his country as an ensign and then lieutenant in the US Navy during World War II and the Korean War respectively. After serving his country, Howard had a successful career as a news anchor in both the Radio and Television news industry. But Howard’s passion was in politics and social rights. Howard went back to school and eventually received his masters and doctorate in Political Science at the University of Kansas. Howard used his education to become a Political Science Professor at Park College, Missouri and the University of Texas at El Paso. Along the way he fought for civil rights issues in the 60’s, fair political representation (El Paso City Charter Commission) in the 70’s & 80’s and eventually environmental protection issues in the 80’s and 90’s. Howard retired from a very successful teaching career in 1998. Late in his life, Howard was active in Kiwanis club, enjoyed square dancing, signing in a barber shop chorus and relaxing at his cabin getaway in Timberon, New Mexico. In Lieu of flowers donations to Alzheimer’s Association, 4687 N. Mesa Ste. 200, El Paso, TX 79912. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00a.m, Friday, September 9,2011, at Sunset Funeral Homes West. Interment to follow at FT. Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home’s West. Please visit our online register book @ www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.