Marvin Howerton

Donna- Marvin Howerton, 87, passed away on Friday, November 24th, 2017. He was born in Edwardsville, Illinois to William and Mae Howerton. He met his future wife, Carol Langenwalter in high school and they were married shortly after, on August 6th, 1950. They moved to Troy, Illinois for a few years and started their family. In 1963, Marvin and Carol moved their family to Edwardsville, Illinois, where they would raise their children. Marvin was a jack of all trades. He built the family's home in Edwardsville. He was a talented wood worker and it was one of his favorite hobbies. Marvin could take on nearly any career and he worked in numerous fields, such as a mechanic, owner of a gas station, and a member of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union #137 where he was a pipe fitter, welder, and general foreman. Marvin and Carol began spending winters in the valley in 1992 and settled in at Victoria Palms where they eventually made their permanent home. Marvin was a hard worker and continued his wood working along with making keys. He re-keyed for many people in the park as a part-time job for most of the time he lived in Victoria Palms. Marvin and Carol raised six successful children and enjoyed each other for 67 years. They enjoyed traveling together and with their children. When the children were young, they spent most weekends camping, fishing and water skiing. They took them to the Grand Canyon and California. When the kids were older, Marvin and Carol were also able to travel to Cancun, where they enjoyed parasailing and snorkeling. They spent their 25th anniversary in Hawaii and took a two month caravan to Alaska as well as Belize. Their favorite pastime was dancing, which was a love of Carol's and Marvin became quite the dancer and was able to teach some of his kids a few moves. In later years he enjoyed teaching the younger generations to play cards. Marvin will be remembered by many, in many different ways. To his family, he will be remembered for his endless love and devotion to his wife and children. He always put them before himself. He was kind, warm, honest, generous, strong, hardworking, and dependable. He was always there to lend a helping hand or just to listen. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, and a friend. Marvin is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Carol Howerton, his children, Chuck Howerton (Juanita) of Murrayville, Illinois, Donna Richardson (Clyde) of Franklin, Illinois, Mike Howerton (Leslie) of Jacksonville, Illinois, Jim Howerton (Debbie) of Ninnekah, Oklahoma, Linda McCormick (Len) of Edinburg, Texas, and Steve Howerton (Pam) of Glen Carbon, Illinois, grandchildren, Chris, Dan, Amy, Anita, Gregg, Jason, Jake, Lindsay, Jimmy, Wes, Annie, Brandi, Emily, Brad, Kristi, Kevin, Michael, Andy, and Nicole, 26 great grandchildren, brothers in law, Floyd Langenwalter (Dorothy), Tom Crossman (Shirley ), sisters in law, Betty Langenwalter (Milton ) and Viola Langenwalter (Dale ). A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 14th, 2017, at Durbin United Methodist Church, 2546 Woodson-Franklin Road, Franklin, Illinois at 1 pm.