Timeline for Howard Joseph Picard
Born: December 5, 1932
Died: March 26, 2018
Howard Joseph Picard, 85, passed away from a heart attack during the early morning hours of March 26, 2018. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on December 5, 1932 to Felix Picard and Lona Reaux Picard, Howard left high school to join the U.S. Navy in 1950 just in time to serve with his older brother, John Preston (J.P.) Picard, aboard the USS Grainger, a ship carrying ammunition for the amphibious landings at Inchon Harbor in Korea. He also completed the Navy’s diving school and served on the USS Kermit Roosevelt.
After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Howard continued his career in public service as a firefighter with the City of Galveston Fire Department from 1961 until 1965. He later joined the City of Galveston Police Department in 1967, where he was a police officer for 25 years until his retirement in 1992. Although he served in almost every division within the police department, Captain Picard was best known for his work with the Vice and Narcotics Unit, which he led for approximately 8 years. Much of this time involved joint undercover investigations with local agents from the FBI and DEA. He enjoyed sharing stories from his undercover days, and the friendships he formed lasted the rest of his life. It was not uncommon for Howard to be greeted anywhere he went in Galveston County, even by those he arrested.
While a rookie patrol officer on the night shift, Howard also worked at Sea-Arama Marineworld in Galveston where he trained and performed in shows with dolphins, killer whales, and sea lions. During his time with Sea-Arama, Howard developed an alligator wrestling show, which ended abruptly one day when a large alligator finally prevailed during a show by biting Howard’s right hand. Howard was able to recover his hand (mostly intact) from the alligator’s teeth and sought medical care at UTMB Galveston where a medical student on a surgical rotation, Lee Evangeline Emory, sewed the stiches. Howard’s work in entertainment resurfaced briefly when he starred in the 1974 film “Together Brothers”—a cult classic shot in Galveston (soundtrack by Barry White) that earned Howard an IMDb credit.
Howard is survived by his children, Jackie Picard and Trey Picard, Trey’s wife, Nissa Beliveaux Picard, and grandson, James Picard. He is also survived by his brother, J.P. Picard and his wife Lois. Howard is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 47 years, Lee Evangeline Picard (professionally known as Dr. Lee Emory), and his first wife, Peggy Louise Picard. Also preceding Howard in death are his brother, Lodias Picard, and his sisters, Ethel Picard Motika and Jean Picard Coldiron. He leaves behind a loving extended family, countless friends, and a grateful community.
Howard’s family will receive visitors beginning at 5:00 pm, Wednesday, April 4, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home with a rosary beginning at 6:30 pm.
Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Thursday, April 5, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
I still laugh when I remember Sgt. Picard holding impromptu hallway inspections and geography quizzes of rookies...I have never forgotten the Capitol of Thailand! God Bless and keep you Captain.
Godspeed Captain
Our sincere condolences to you and your family, Jackie. May our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, bring each of you comfort as you grieve the loss of your loved one.
Howard was a good man and a good officer, he will be missed
I worked with Captain Picard 4 years on the Galveston Police Department before he retired. He was fun to be around and work with. Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers. Virginia M. Tisino
Howard, what a treasure you are to me. I am very thankful to have had you as a part of my career and my life. My times with you and Evangeline are very special. RIP together.
RIP my friend. You were the first one to tell me and my husband hello and tell us where we could find coffee that early October morning when we first arrived. We had many talks over the years, always appreciated your friendship.
Sorry for your loss Jackie ....My dad always thought a lot of his cousin Howard...... He helped get me my first job at Sea Arama....I did not fight gators but flipped burgers but I always appreciated him helping me out ....may he rest in peace ...losing your parents is tough no matter how old they are.
My deepest condolences to Howard's family. I am deeply humbled to have known Howard, a humble man with a great dry sense of humor and was always a pleasure to be around. RIP Howard and I know Evangeline will be glad to be reunited with you.
In memory of Howard Joseph Picard, Sedgwick Family lit a candle
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace.
I remember Howard fondly. My husband and I moved into the house in Galveston in 1978. It was across the street from the Picard’s house. I was about 6 months pregnant with our first child. My husband, Jim, was a harbor pilot and worked a lot at nights. I was a little frightened in this neighborhood. On the second night as I was unloading boxes I heard a loud knock on the door. Looking out the window I saw a muscled bald man. As I opened the door Howard said “don’t be frightened I live across the street and I am a policeman.” He said if you ever need anything call me. Howard was that kind of man. Good, honest and always there to help. He made the world a better place. He will be missed! Jim & Bev Coonrod
My condolences to the family of Howard Picard. May you find comfort in God's promise to wipe all tears from every eye (Revelation 21:3,4). May the memories of Mr. Howard bring peace to your hearts during this difficult time.
Jackie, We have followed your journey with your dad, knowing how lost he felt once your step mother passed. You have been a very attentive daughter espevially during the last year of your dad's life, so we know that you will feel the void, that his passing will leave. Love to you and your family. Jim and Julie
In memory of Howard Joseph Picard, Jim and Julie Walker lit a candle
In memory of Howard Joseph Picard, Caurnest J. Hebert Jr lit a candle
My condolences to the Picard families during this trying time.
I knew Howard as a Police officer when I was an Ambulance driver for Malloy & Son Funeral Home in 1970. He was a fine man. Craig Hall
I am so very sorry for your loss. Howard was a great guy and I know you will him very much. He’s probably sharing his many stories with the angels.
Trey, sorry for your loss but he is now reunited with your mom for eternity. A good man.
I remember the first time meeting my Great Uncle Howard during a family summer vacation to Galveston with my Aunt Barbara and Father Phillip when I was 8 or 9 years old. He definitely made an impression, as I remember many under cover police stories he told, some funny jokes, and my first ever crawfish broil. He was very much a family man also dedicated to his community. His call to service in many different ways, played a part in helping me decide to join the U.S. Navy. He will be missed Greatly by all of his family in the Pacific Northwest. Sending Love and Prayers on behalf of his Brother J.P. and Wife Lois, also his Nephew Phillip, and myself, his Great Nephew Peter. May you be at peace Great Uncle.
In memory of Howard Joseph Picard, Lori Trout lit a candle
My dear cousin, Jackie, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. Please give my condolences to the rest of the family. As a daughter the loss of your dad is a big hit, he is the first and only man we love no matter what. Sending prayers and love. Jackie LeDoux Trouard
In memory of Howard Joseph Picard, Trudy Winstead lit a candle
Date: Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Rosary at 6:30 pm.
Date: Thursday, April 5, 2018
Time: 11:00 am
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Our thoughts remain with you and your family. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time.
—The Staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations
I still laugh when I remember Sgt. Picard holding impromptu hallway inspections and geography quizzes of rookies...I have never forgotten the Capitol of Thailand! God Bless and keep you Captain.
Godspeed Captain
Our sincere condolences to you and your family, Jackie. May our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, bring each of you comfort as you grieve the loss of your loved one.
Howard was a good man and a good officer, he will be missed
I worked with Captain Picard 4 years on the Galveston Police Department before he retired. He was fun to be around and work with. Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers. Virginia M. Tisino
Howard, what a treasure you are to me. I am very thankful to have had you as a part of my career and my life. My times with you and Evangeline are very special. RIP together.
RIP my friend. You were the first one to tell me and my husband hello and tell us where we could find coffee that early October morning when we first arrived. We had many talks over the years, always appreciated your friendship.
Sorry for your loss Jackie ....My dad always thought a lot of his cousin Howard...... He helped get me my first job at Sea Arama....I did not fight gators but flipped burgers but I always appreciated him helping me out ....may he rest in peace ...losing your parents is tough no matter how old they are.
My deepest condolences to Howard's family. I am deeply humbled to have known Howard, a humble man with a great dry sense of humor and was always a pleasure to be around. RIP Howard and I know Evangeline will be glad to be reunited with you.
In memory of Howard Joseph Picard, Sedgwick Family lit a candle
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace.
I remember Howard fondly. My husband and I moved into the house in Galveston in 1978. It was across the street from the Picard’s house. I was about 6 months pregnant with our first child. My husband, Jim, was a harbor pilot and worked a lot at nights. I was a little frightened in this neighborhood. On the second night as I was unloading boxes I heard a loud knock on the door. Looking out the window I saw a muscled bald man. As I opened the door Howard said “don’t be frightened I live across the street and I am a policeman.” He said if you ever need anything call me. Howard was that kind of man. Good, honest and always there to help. He made the world a better place. He will be missed! Jim & Bev Coonrod
My condolences to the family of Howard Picard. May you find comfort in God's promise to wipe all tears from every eye (Revelation 21:3,4). May the memories of Mr. Howard bring peace to your hearts during this difficult time.
Jackie, We have followed your journey with your dad, knowing how lost he felt once your step mother passed. You have been a very attentive daughter espevially during the last year of your dad's life, so we know that you will feel the void, that his passing will leave. Love to you and your family. Jim and Julie
In memory of Howard Joseph Picard, Jim and Julie Walker lit a candle
In memory of Howard Joseph Picard, Caurnest J. Hebert Jr lit a candle
My condolences to the Picard families during this trying time.
I knew Howard as a Police officer when I was an Ambulance driver for Malloy & Son Funeral Home in 1970. He was a fine man. Craig Hall
I am so very sorry for your loss. Howard was a great guy and I know you will him very much. He’s probably sharing his many stories with the angels.
Trey, sorry for your loss but he is now reunited with your mom for eternity. A good man.
I remember the first time meeting my Great Uncle Howard during a family summer vacation to Galveston with my Aunt Barbara and Father Phillip when I was 8 or 9 years old. He definitely made an impression, as I remember many under cover police stories he told, some funny jokes, and my first ever crawfish broil. He was very much a family man also dedicated to his community. His call to service in many different ways, played a part in helping me decide to join the U.S. Navy. He will be missed Greatly by all of his family in the Pacific Northwest. Sending Love and Prayers on behalf of his Brother J.P. and Wife Lois, also his Nephew Phillip, and myself, his Great Nephew Peter. May you be at peace Great Uncle.
In memory of Howard Joseph Picard, Lori Trout lit a candle
My dear cousin, Jackie, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. Please give my condolences to the rest of the family. As a daughter the loss of your dad is a big hit, he is the first and only man we love no matter what. Sending prayers and love. Jackie LeDoux Trouard
In memory of Howard Joseph Picard, Trudy Winstead lit a candle
Malloy Funerals & Cremations
Our thoughts remain with you and your family. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time.
—The Staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations