Gary L. Howton

Gary Lee Howton, age 76, of Carrier Mills, went peacefully to be with his lord and savior on March 7, 2025, at 6:20 pm, at his home surrounded by his family after a short battle with cancer.

Gary was born on March 18, 1948, in Rudement, IL. He was one of twelve children born to James and Lillian Howton. He had 6 brothers and 5 sisters. He met the love of his life in August of 1990 on a job site where Nancy was also working. They had a whirlwind romance. They were engaged in September of 1990, then married on November 29, 1990, having spent over 30 years together, where they built a life in Carrier Mills, IL. He worked for the IBEW as an inside wireman until his retirement in 2010. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and being outdoors. He also loved squirrel, turkey, and deer hunting. His grandchildren accompanied him and developed a love for hunting, as well as enjoying the time spent together in the woods with their papa. He was deeply devoted to his grandchildren and expressed on many occasions how profoundly and deeply he loved and cherished them. His siblings regarded him as a quiet man, who was insightful and thought deeply. His brother(s) stated his opinion was impactful and worth listening to. Gary was a devoted husband and stepfather and beloved papa. To know him was to know that he was stubborn and hardheaded at times but will leave a lasting mark on his family as a supportive, loving, and generous papa.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Howton. He never had any biological children but has always thought of his stepchildren and grandchildren as his own. He has three stepchildren: Jim Hensley, Pamela (Kirby) Crites, and Dewayne (Lorylee) Hensley. He has four grandchildren, who were the light of his life: Ryder (Ashton) Crites, Krysten (Brockton) Whitehead, Shanna (Austin) Dawkins, and Isaiah Hensley. He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren who brought immense love, joy, and chaos to his life. They include Luke Crites, Shane Clerk, Abbigail Crites, Chase Dawkins, Raelynn Whitehead, and Rylee Whitehead. He is also survived by his brothers; Stanley Howton and Gerald (Mary) Howton, brother-in-law, Richard Phren, and sister-in-law, Susan Howton.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, James and Lillian Howton and his siblings, Kenneth, Norma, Verna, Robert, Margaret, James, Sandra, Kathleen, and Michael.

Arrangements were entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. Services will be private with burial at Union Grove Cemetery in Pittsburg on March 19, 2025.  Please visit www.bluefuneralhome.com to leave condolences online.