Howard Arthur Mavis

1945-2026

Howard peacefully passed on to his heavenly home on June 16, 2026 after a brief illness. He was born 81 years ago in Dyersburg, Tennessee to Howard Henry & Nancy Lee Mavis, 3 days after his father perished in the European theater of World War 2.

After spending his young years in Ohio, Howard moved to California with his family, eventually settling in the Indian Wells Valley. He attended Burroughs High School. Upon enlisting in the Navy as a Seabee, he spent time in Adak, Alaska and served with a Marine battalion in Viet Nam.

In 1967 Howard begin his employment at China Lake in the central mail room. Transferring to Public Works he became a journeyman Heavy Duty Mechanic. Changing careers, he worked as a HVAC mechanic until illness required a move back to the Heavy Duty Shop. After a few years with Naval Facilities Engineering Command, he returned to Public Works, Facilities Engineering Division until his retirement in 1998.

Howard and Peggy were happily married for 58 years and together, they raised 4 children Martina, Heather, Brian and Alyson.

Howard enjoyed tinkering in his garage and for years was the ‘perspiration’ behind Peggy’s ‘inspiration’ in remodeling and landscaping their home. When not perspiring with home projects, they would travel to the beach and Bishop in their travel trailer. In his later years he taught himself to work with leather and enjoy making things for his loved ones and friends. He loved to joke around and made many situations funny with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Howard is survived by his wife, Peggy; his children; Heather (John) Faria, Brian Mavis, and Alyson Jones; grandchildren Joshua, Jaimee, Marie, Nic, Jackson, Sami, Kenzie, and Olivia; his sister Nancy Venegas; and brother Bill (Diane) Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Martina Carpenter.