James Eddy Havel of Hondo passed away Friday, May 19, 2023.  He was 76.

Born Dec. 5, 1946, in Refugio, he was the son of James and Thelma Louise Parker Havel, who preceded him in death.

Eddy was a star athlete for the Woodsboro Eagles in basketball, football, and track.  He was a natural leader, from quarterback to class President.  Under the guidance of Coach Peavy, he earned a full scholarship for basketball at Schreiner Institute.

After meeting Pat at church camp, he joined her to finish his Bachelor's degree at Texas A&I University.  Pat and Eddy married in 1970 and moved to San Antonio.  Eddy became an amazing, dedicated father and grandfather.  He loved traveling and would drive for hours just to spend time with family.

Eddy took pride in teaching multiple generations and enjoyed keeping up with his and Pat's coworkers from Pease Middle School and Lackland ISD after retiring. He was a member of the Huajilla Unit of Retired Teachers and several other community organizations including Crime Stoppers (President), Election Ballot Board, and Medina County Historic Society.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patricia Ann "Pat" Pepper Havel; daughters, Kimberly "Kim" Havel (Jake Nichols) of Hondo and Katherine "Kate" Havel of College Station; grandchildren, Shawn Neuman (Danielle), Cole Neuman (Ariel), Logan Lauer, and Jacob Nichols; great-grandchildren, Cole "CJ" Edward Neuman, Amelia Ann Pepper Neuman, and Leon Dante Havel; sister, Phyllis Hyden (Ron); nieces, Rhonda Morton, Glenda McKinney, Melissa Pepper; nephews Clint Hyden, Marcus Pepper, Allen Phillips, and Barrett Phillips.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 24, 6 to 8 p.m., at Guinn-Horger Funeral Home Chapel.

Graveside service and interment will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 25, at Sabinal Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.