Harold James Howerton, 72, Ava, passed away peacefully at 9:10 a.m., Saturday, New Year’s Day, 2005, in Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center of Ava.
Harold was born Jan. 20, 1932, at Thornfield, the son of Herbert and Eulah (Marsh) Howerton. On June 14, 1969, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Horner at Ava.
Harold was a longtime resident of Douglas County and a well-known businessman with several interests and talents. For many years, he locally owned and operated Harold’s Standard Station, Harold’s Oil Company and Parts Plus. Besides expanding his business, he was a sports enthusiast with a competitive spirit. He received numerous awards, trophies and certificates for his performing race cars and top quality race boats. He was widely known for his ability to custom-build and refurbish old cars and paying attention to detail and quality was his trademark. Harold also enjoyed hunting, camping, traveling and water skiing. He was a man of integrity with a solid sense of direction and true zest for life.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Orville Howerton, and a brother-in-law, Royce Adkisson.
He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy; one daughter, Jamie Adams, and husband Mark of Chariton, Iowa; two sisters, Peggy Adkisson, of Jefferson City, and Kathleen Wallace, and husband Rex, Theodosia; three grandchildren, Janelle, Craig and Jordan; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous caring friends.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 4, in Barnes Funeral Home, Ava, with the Rev. John Haskins and Rev. Marvin Loftin officiating. Burial followed in the Thornfield Cemetery, Thornfield.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the local Douglas County Neighbor Helping Neighbor, Rt. 6, Box 8579, Ava, MO 65608 or the Thornfield Cemetery, care of Barnes Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 65, Ava, MO 65608.
