On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Howard John Wakefield III ("Trip"), age 56, went home to be with the Lord following a courageous month-long battle with life-threatening injuries sustained in a vehicular/pedestrian accident.

Born in San Diego, California, and raised in Houston, Texas, Trip graduated from Taylor High School in 1987 and attended Southwest Texas State University. He was a man of vision, grit, and unforgettable sayings short phrases packed with wisdom that would stick with you long after he said them. If you didn't understand what he meant right away, Trip would tell you, "Read it three times." There was always something bigger he was thinking about, whether it was life, family, or building "the fastest growing company the world has ever seen." Trip dreamed big, lived bold, and left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path.

More than anything, Trip's greatest joy was being a father. From the moment Braxton could hold a bat, Trip was by his side-pitching, coaching, and cheering louder than anyone else. With his daughter, his "princess" Cason, he created a bond full of park adventures, ice cream dates, and countless moments of love and devotion that defined his life's purpose.

Trip's friends will remember the adventures, the late-night conversations, and stories that turned into legends. He had a way of making even the hardest moments lighter, always teaching, always dreaming, always leaving you thinking bigger than you were before.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard John Wakefield, Jr., and Jenny Wakefield. Trip is survived by his two beloved children, Braxton Cole Wakefield and Cason Adeline Wakefield; his brother Barrett Wakefield; his sister Halle (Bradley) Waggoner; and nieces Olivia, Blair, and Harper.

In his final act of generosity, Trip donated his liver and both kidneys, saving three lives a testament to his giving spirit and desire to leave this world better than he found it.

Trip's family finds comfort in knowing he is now in the presence of his Savior and that the love, laughter, and light he brought to this world will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be on Friday, August 08 at 2:00PM. Family will be gathered at the Second Baptist Church, Woodway Hankamer Chapel in Houston, Texas 77057.