Gilbert Wilson Howerton

Gilbert, fondly known as Gil or Gilly, was born to Edward and Irma Howerton on January 31, 1933 in National City, California. Gil learned to hunt and fish at an early age and spent his life teaching his craft to his children and grandchildren. Gil attended Sweetwater High School and ran track with the varsity team; he left Sweetwater in his senior year to work as an apprentice ironworker with his father Ed Howerton. In 1952 he was drafted by the Army and spent 18 months in Korea. After serving 2 years active duty and 6 years in the Army Reserve, he received an honorable discharge in 1961.

Gil is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley; daughter Anne and Mike Meyer; daughter Linda and Chris Apodaca; Son Edward and Lori Howerton; 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; Gil was preceded in death by his daughter Donna.

Gil was passionate about baseball and sports and was an avid Padre fan; he never missed a game on the television and always knew their stats. Gil worked 40 years as an ironworker in San Diego and worked on many of the structures around town including the Sea World tower, and Chargers stadium. Gil’s father, son, and 3 grandsons totaled 4 generations of ironworkers. In his neighborhood, Gil was known as the block captain and rattlesnake wrangler as he was always called on when a neighbor had a rattler in their yard. After retirement, Gil loved his dove hunts, Alamo duck hunts and fishing trips to the Sierra Mountains and Mammoth Lakes with Shirley, his children, and grandchildren.

A viewing is scheduled at Glen Abbey in Bonita, CA on Wednesday May 24, 2023, from 5-9 pm at the Orchid Pavilion. His service will be held on Thursday May 25, 2023, 10-11 am at the Magnolia room followed by a military honors graveside burial. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the San Diego Humane Society in Gil’s name.

Serving as pallbearers are Anthony Mendez, Richard Hodge, Jordan Donathan, Brandon O’Connor, Nicholas Meyer, Joseph Apodaca and Jacob Apodaca; Alternate, Travis Chrisman.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.glenabbeysandiego.net for the Howerton family.