Kenneth Rudell Howton, 91, Evansville, IN
Kenneth Rudell Howton, age 91, departed this life at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, November 27 at St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville, IN.
Ken was born December 1, 1923, in Herod to James Howton and Lillian (Lambert) Howton and was the oldest of their 12 children. He married Elizabeth Ann Wright on March 27, 1948 and to this union, two children were born. After 60 wonderful years of marriage she preceded him in death on June 14, 2008.
Ken served in the United States Navy during WWII as a First Class Machinist Mate on LST 55 in the European Theater. After his service, he returned home to work for Shell Oil Company. In 1955, he moved to Harrisburg and became a partner in Lambert and Howton Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling. In 1974, he became sole owner of Howton Plumbing and Heating, Inc. For over 60 years, he was a member of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters UA Local 551. He was also a 43 year member of the Harrisburg Masonic Lodge #325, a member of Harrisburg American Legion, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a life member and past president of the Egyptian Association PHCC, and a member of the Harrisburg First Church of God.
He is survived by his two children, a daughter, Marsha (Kerry) Jones and a son, Dwight (Carolyn) Howton both of Harrisburg; six grandchildren, Rodney Jones of Marion, Jason Jones of Harrisburg, Beth (Mike) Perry of Troy, Brandi (Ryan) McGowen of Troy, Erin (Barney) Mitchell of Raleigh, and Nathan (Jerica) Howton of Harrisburg; ten great-grandchildren, Hanna Jones, Alyssa Cox, Devannie Jones, Savannah Cox, Emma Perry, Nolen McGowen, Madalyn Perry, Jillian McGowen, Mason Howton, and Cooper Howton; two step great-grandchildren, Bianca Mitchell and Cameron Mitchell; one step great-great-grandchild Tessalin; six brothers and sisters, Margaret (Richard) Prehn of Glen Carbon, Sandra (Jerry) Dawson of Huntsville, AL, Stan (Penny) Howton of Bainbridge, GA, Mike Howton of Marion, Gary (Nancy) Howton of Harrisburg, and Gerald (Mary) Howton of Harrisburg.
Ken was preceded in death by his beloved wife; parents; and five siblings, Norma Rains, Verna Angell Grider, Robert Howton, James Howton, and Kathleen Billingsly.
Funeral services will be held at 1 PM, Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at Reed Funeral Chapel. Rev. Gayle Stone will officiate. Masonic Rites will be performed by the Harrisburg Masonic Lodge #325. Burial will follow in Sunset Garden Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Harrisburg and Carrier Mills American Legion, the VFW and the Navy. Visitation will be from 11 AM to 1 PM, Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at Reed Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harrisburg Golden Circle Building Fund or the Harrisburg First Church of God Wednesday Night Children's Program. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To view this obituary and leave online condolences for the family, visit www.reedfuneralchapel.com