HOWARD A. SOBEL, 1916-2003

SOBEL, HOWARD ARTHUR, WAS BORN JANUARY 27, 1916 in Chicago, IL, to Carl and Ray Sobel.  He died on March 3, 2003. He became an instant Dallasite when he moved here in 1961.  He managed Big Town Shopping Center in Mesquite, and other properties of Kimco Corp., including Big Town Bowlanes. He is survived by Gerry, his wife of 43 years; his stepson, Dr. Stephen Crocker and his wife Beth and their children, Melissa and Andrew; his stepson, David Crocker and his wife Jackie; his sister, Merle Stine and her husband, Dr. Leonard Stine and their sons Steven, Eric and Carl and their families; as well as his sisters-in-laws, Blossom Levin and Betty Rubin and their families. Howard always said that Stephen and David were the best wedding present his wife Gerry gave him. He spent seven years at Northwestern University night school, while working to support his mother.  He served in the United States Army Air Corp for four years and was discharged in 1945. He was an unabashed booster for his adopted and native cities, Dallas and Chicago. He volunteered in Big Brother, was president of the Regional Rotary International, and started the Mesquite Rotary Club needs-based college scholarship fund for local high school graduates.  When the Dallas Meyerson Music Center opened, he became a docent under the auspices of the National Council of Jewish Women, combining his two favorite pastimes of music and architecture.  Upon retirement he became a volunteer advisor for S.C.O.R.E. as a specialist in leasing, marketing and planning, sharing his expertise with fledgling small business operators.  He loved sailing and at 54 became an avid tennis player with his wife and friends.  He leaves behind numerous close friends who were his Dallas family.  He always dressed and behaved like the aristocratic gentleman that he was.  Services will be held in Lefkowitz Chapel, Temple EmanuEl, 8500 Hillcrest, Dallas, on Wednesday, March 5, 2003, with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery, with Rabbis Gerald Klein and David Stern officiating.  In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Temple EmanuEl Endowment Fund, 8500 Hillcrest, Dallas TX 75225; Vogel Alcove, 7557 Rambler Rd, Dallas TX 75231; Dallas Symphony Orchestra, 2301 Flora, Dallas TX 75201; or a charity of your choice.