Howard Scheib, beloved husband, father, grandfather and exemplary trombone player, died March 17, 2018, after a long illness.

Howard, a longtime California Army and National Guard bandsman and Social Security Administration employee, moved to Dallas, Texas from Northern California in the early 2000s and began playing brass instruments and string bass in Dallas-area orchestras, jazz combos, and bands. He was a member of the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, the New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving, the Richardson Community Band, and the Kings of Swing dance orchestra. In addition, he was first trombonist in the North Dallas Trombone Choir, baritone player in the Early Brass ensemble, and a singer in the St. Luke's Lutheran Church choir. Along with his wife, Susan Scheib, he helped organize the annual Renaissance Polyphony Weekend in Dallas.

“His enthusiasm was so infectious,” writes Laura Taylor, who played alongside him in the North Dallas Trombone Choir. “I was always impressed by his natural talent and stamina. He really was the heart and soul of the trombone choir. So many of his arrangements are our favorites. And I am especially grateful that he took me under his wing and included me in some of his quartets. Not only was it a lot of fun, but it made me a better player by wanting to live up to his expectations.”

Howard was a graduate of San Francisco State University (Bachelor's), and the Eastman School of Music (Master's), where he studied trombone with Emory Remington.

Howard and Susan first met while in high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. They enjoyed traveling across the great Western US, exploring New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Oregon on the way to visit family. They also traveled to Florida each year to play circus music in Sarasota, and concert band music in Williamsburg, Virginia. Occasionally, they even explored the upper Midwest, to play circus band music (of course) in Oscaloosa, Iowa, and see historical musical instruments at the National Musical Instrument Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota, where Howard was able to view British brass band instruments that resembled his historical baritone horn, an instrument once played in the Panama Pacific Exposition.

Howard had other interests besides music: He loved boating and being near the water, whether it was the ocean, lakes, or rivers. As a young man, he had a passion for horses and English riding. He enjoyed reading and he loved going to museums and historical sites. Keeping up with culture and technology was another important part of Howard's life.

But music was a constant in his life. As Laura Taylor puts it, “I am sure that if God has a trombone choir in heaven, Howard will be playing first chair.”

Howard Scheib is survived by his wife, Susan; son, Geoffrey, daughter-in-law, Laura; stepson, Gregory; step-daughter, Julia; and five grandchildren: Brendan and Connor (Concord, Calif.); Ada (Richardson, Texas); Zachary and Avi (Brooklyn, New York).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Tomorrow Fund of the New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving, the endowment for the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, or St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Richardson, Texas.Visitation will be held Sunday March 25, 2018 at 2:00pm followed by the Service at 3:00 pm at St. Luke's Lutheran Church located at 1210W Belt LineRd. Richardson, TX 75080