Joel Mack Coward

Funeral services for Joel Mack Coward, 74, of Pollok, will be held Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel in Lufkin with Reverend Cindy Doran officiating. Interment with Masonic rites under the auspices of Lufkin Masonic Lodge #669, A.F. & A.M., will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park. Mr. Coward was born June 18, 1940 in Houston, Texas, the son of the late Emma Ann (Meduna) and Joel Mack Coward. He died Thursday, February 19, 2015 in Lufkin. Mr. Coward was a former longtime resident of Kemah where he worked as a plumber for 51 years. He also served as a plumbing inspector for the City of Houston and an apprentice instructor for Local 68 for 26 years. Mr. Coward had many interests and hobbies including fishing, painting, hunting, gardening and building things, but he loved to travel more than anything else. He was a member of Lufkin Masonic Lodge #669, A.F. & A.M., Melrose Masonic Lodge #1294, A.F. & A.M., and the Lufkin Shriners. He was also a very active member of Keltys United Methodist Church. Mr. Coward was a United States Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Debby Coward of Pollok; daughter and son-in-law, Shana and Thomas Haaland of Kemah; son and daughter-in-law, Joel Mack and Jenn Coward of Rockport; grandchildren, Hayley Haaland, Chloe Haaland, both of Kemah, and Joel Mack Coward of Rockport; cousin, Mack Coward and wife Linda of Lufkin; as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be Robert Cross, Terry Voyles, Mack Coward, Jim Maas, Tom Rainey, Sam Pirtle, Jimmy Allison, Jim Brewer, and Johnny (Red) Robinson. Honorary pallbearers will be his Masonic, Shriner and plumbing union brothers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Keltys United Methodist Church, 1867 Old Mill Dr., Lufkin, Texas 75904, or to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon before the service at the funeral home. Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors