Howard Murphy Urbanek

Howard Murphy Urbanek of Taylor, Texas passed away in his sleep on Thursday morning May 18, 2017. He was born to Alex John Urbanek and Alma Ashley Urbanek on August 10, 1948 at Johns Community Hospital in Taylor, Texas. He was raised in Taylor, Texas and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School until the family moved to Austin, Texas where he attended and graduated from Lanier High School. Upon graduation, he volunteered and enlisted in the army. He served in the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Army Accommodation Medals for Bravery under Enemy Fire.

After serving in the army, he went to work for his father in the masionary business for several years. He then went to work in a retail sporting goods business in Austin, Texas for a few years. Howard then went to work for Williamson County Road and Bridge in Georgetown, Texas until he retired. He was an avid outdoor sportsman who loved to hunt and fish, especially loved fishing with his great nephew Jaxon. Howard also participated in the Taylor Rodeo on occasion with his nephew Andy in the Wild Steer Saddling Contest. In his spare time, he loved to draw, especially cartoons about people’s interactions and political commentary.

He was preceded in death by his father Alex John Urbanek and his nephew Nathan Andrew Urbanek.

Howard is survived by his mother Alma Urbanek and brother Rick Urbanek and wife Deborah, all of Taylor. Other survivors are his nieces Stacey Pasemann and husband Aaron of Thorndale and Kendra Brabandt and husband Shawn of Taylor, his nephew Chad Simpson and fiancée Farren Westbrook of Jarrell, great niece Alexandra Kunze, great nephews Jaxon Kunze, Cade Pasemann and Chance Pasemann all of Thorndale and Kason Brabandt of Taylor, Texas.

Graveside services will be 11:00 A.M., Saturday, May 27, 2017 at the Taylor City Cemetery.