Harold Gene Howton, Sr.

Lt. Col. Harold Gene Howton, Sr.

Lt. Col. Harold Gene Howton, Sr. age 92 died Sunday April 9, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Columbus. A memorial service will be held Wednesday April 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at New Salem Baptist Church with Rev. Mel Howton officiating; inurnment with U.S. Army Honors will be held Wednesday April 12, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mississippi Veterans Cemetery in Kilmichael, MS.

Lt. Col. Harold Gene Howton, Sr. (Army) answered his Eternal calling on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. He is preceded in death by Alan Howton, his son, Robert Howton, his brother, Doug Howton, his brother, Diane Howton, his sister, and Virginia Lee Howton, his widow.

He is therefore survived in death by his loving wife, Helen Howton, Harold Gene Howton, Jr., his son, (Caroline), Janet Warren, his daughter, (Bill), who are the son and daughter of Aleta Bowling.

Debbie Gregory, his stepdaughter, (Bill), Everett Parrish, his stepson, (Karen), Bruce Parrish, his stepson, and Dr. Melanie H. Gruner, his daughter, (Dale), who are the sons and daughters of Virginia Lee Howton, and Jackie Dudley, “ like a daughter”

He is also survived by a multitude of grandsons, and granddaughters, great and also great-great grandchildren, a great cloud of witnesses needless to say.

To everyone who knew of him, HGH was our handyman. If it needed fixing, “call Harold!” One way or another, what was broken would be repaired. (By any and all means necessary) His angel voice and hands brought music and laughter to all. ( mainly  laughter) His guitar is legendary, and it was sewn to his hip no matter where he went. His most famous song is “Anything” He would ask, “What do you want me to play?” We would say “Anything.” Healing foods that he is specifically known for are his Banana Pudding, Fudge, Cornbread Dressing, and Sausage Balls. Everyone knows.

HGH had the most soothing voice and calming nature. Talking to him on the phone across the miles was medicine for the soul. Everyone knows. He was a loving father, and he loved his children in specific ways each. Memories will be both sweet and bittersweet. Time will both keep and change some of those. He was a devoted husband. Enough said.

On Easter Sunday, HGH was inducted to the Heavenly choir where he now sits off to one side loudly playing his guitar as the angels sing honky-tonk hymns and ditties. His voice is made new and his tears no longer have to be a part of the services. He plays proudly for all of us now as he waits for a grand gathering one day. One can almost hear that happening right now. He used to always say “I’ll Fly Away!” Heaven was ready, and so was he.

May He be remembered in many ways. He laughed , he loved, he fixed, he sang, he helped, and mainly, HE LIVED. Go HGH, rest high on that mountain! Until we are gathered with you again, keep the line open because we will still call. Often….Always.