Walter Thomas Howerton, age 87, of Osceola, Missouri, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, February 4, 2018. He was born on May 12, 1930, in Kansas City, Missouri, and was the second of five children of John T. Howerton and Flora (Havener) Howerton.
He graduated from Turner High School in Kansas City, Kansas, where he earned the nickname “Pidgeon” after Walter Pidgeon, a tall, dark-haired movie star. He also flexed his athletic abilities as he held the record in 1949 for shot put (50’ 6”) and discus (131’ 11”).
On May 15, 1948, he married the love of his life, Barbara Howerton, and together had two children. He dedicated his career to serving as a foreman of a corrugated machine at International Paper Company in Kansas City, Kansas, and retired after 30 years of service.
Walter, often lovingly referred to as Papaw, Pa-poo or Boss Man, was a Mr. Fix-It with a boatload of patience. It was his personal ministry to complete minor home repairs for widows in his community. And, around his neighborhood, he would offer up his lawn mowing services until a very old age when his loving family advised him otherwise. His stubbornness, however, was the driving force behind his ability to keep on trucking through life as he rehabilitated from a massive stroke 11 years ago. Additionally, he was known for his green thumb as he often filled his garden with tomatoes, corn, and experimental combos of various seeds.
Even through his illness of dementia, his love for God came through in his sweet nature, which was undoubtedly recognized by his caretakers at the Clinton Healthcare and Rehab Center in Clinton, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara, parents John T. and Flora Howerton, sisters Geneva Howerton and Lucille (Howerton) Sears, and brother Edward L. Howerton.
Walter is survived by his two children, Walter D. Howerton and wife Janet, and Penne Howerton; grandchildren Ryan Howerton and wife Kerry, Jennifer Howerton, and Carrie Ashley and her husband Aaron; 3 great-grandchildren, Kacey and Maddie Howerton, and Jack Mowry; sister Lois L. Cook, sister-in-law Ola Howerton, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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