Howard Lee Hellums

Howard “Lee” Hellums passed away peacefully at his home in Bastrop on Nov. 10, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. Lee fought valiantly against brain cancer, surviving an astonishing six-and-a-half (six years longer than predicted).

An amazing, kind, loving, generous man, Lee”s strength and bravery inspired everyone who knew him.

Lee was born in Lytton Springs, Tex

as, on July 19, 1941. He attended Lockhart High School. Lee married the love of his life, Nina Crider, on Jan. 22, 1960. He spent the next 52 years adoring her. Lee worked in construction his entire life, owning his own business until his diagnosis in 2006. Many significant buildings throughout Texas were built or remodeled by Lee. Lee loved life and, even after his diagnosis, he traveled with his family to Ireland, Arkansas, Branson, New Orleans and Las Vegas. Previous travels included a second honeymoon trip to Rome with Nina.

A lifelong Democrat, Lee”s passion for politics was only matched by his love of fishing, football, chocolate, Willie”s plate at Rosie”s Tamale House, and his family – not necessarily in that order. A man of faith, Lee was a true Christian in every way. He gave tirelessly of himself to anyone who needed him, and selflessly donated countless hours of his talents at church.

While Lee 1S safe with Jesus and Heaven is rejoicing to receive him, his family is bereft until we see him again. The world is diminished, but Heaven shines a little brighter tonight.

Lee is survived by his devoted wife, Nina Hellums; four children: daughter, Janet Hellums and her husband, Guy Myers, daughter Lynda Snyder, son Randolph “R.J.” Hellums, and son Lonnie “Marty” Hellums and his wife, Karen Lorch; six grandchildren: Candice Smoot and her husband, Conrad Smoot, Phillip Snyder and
his wife, Megan, Ashley Snyder, Russell Hellums, Heather Hellums, and Randa Myers; and two great-grandchildren, Mya and Ava Snyder. He is also survived by five siblings: Doris Taylor, Jimmy Hellums and his wife, Mary Hellums, Sammy Hellums, Kathy Murry, Johnny Hellums and his wife, Judy Hellums, his sister-in-law, Lorraine Hellums, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Marie Hellums, and his brothers, Ernest and Morgan Hellums.

The family would like to thank Hospice Austin for their loving care and support. They also wish to thank Dr. Punit Chadha, Lee”s oncologist, for the care and compassion he gave to Lee and his family and Dr. Stanley Kim, for his skill and dedication. They thank all the family and friends who have brought food and love in this difficult time.

Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Austin and the American Cancer Society in Lee”s honor.

A visitation was held from 6 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, at Eeds Funeral Home. Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, at Eeds Funeral Home with Pastor Perry Koon officiating. Serving as the pallbearers were Russell Hellums, Brenda Hellums, Phillips Snyder Randy McCaffety ,Bill Myers,  Conrad Smoot and Roger Winken. Interment followed at Jeffrey Cemetery, McMahan, Texas.

All arrangements with Eeds Funeral Home, 408 S. Main St., Lockhart, Texas 78644. (512) 398-2343. ]