Doris B. Howarton

Doris B. Howarton passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024, in her home with her son, John Howarton and his wife, Angela. John and Angela had brought their mother (Doris) into their home permanently to be her care givers on July 28th, 2023, on the day of Doris’ eldest son’s death (Raymond Glen Howarton Jr.).

Doris B. Howarton (named at birth: Doris Jeanette Buss) was born to James Jefferson Buss and Gladys Grace Buss on November 2, 1932 in New Braunfels, Texas. Doris grew up in New Braunfels and had a blast running around town with her best friend, Marjorie Zunker. In fact, it just so happened one day that Doris and Marjorie were going for a joy ride in Landa Park in daddy’s car when they spotted a very good-looking, young G.I. walking alongside the road. The flirty high school teens felt compelled to stop and chat with the fellow. The tall, dark and handsome, army sergeant was Raymond Glen Howarton. He was on leave after having been severely wounded during combat in the Korean war. And the rest is history. Before the high school senior graduated, Doris married Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Howarton. Just a few weeks later Doris graduated from the New Braunfels High School as a very proud “unicorn” on March 30th, 1951, and as the newly wed Mrs. Doris Howarton.

Two boys were born to Doris and Ray: Raymond Glen Jr. and John James. Sadly, their marriage ended in divorce sometime in the late 50s. Then, in the mid-sixties, Doris remarried, marrying Doyle “Rusty” O’Neal Cowen. Doris and Rusty bought a farm and raised goats, horses, cattle, and a variety of other varmints. Also, they fostered a number of children during their farm years. Doris loved children and was devoted to giving them a loving family and a better life. In the late-90s, Raymond Howarton returned to see if he had a second chance opportunity with Doris. It turned out that Doris and Rusty got a divorce, and, shortly thereafter, Doris and Raymond were remarried on November 17, 2000. As crazy as it sounds, Doris and Rusty stayed very devoted friends until Rusty’s death. She loved Rusty, but she had never stopped loving her “army man,” Raymond. Raymond passed away on his 77th birthday, in 2008.

During her life, Doris was an amazing mother, “Granny”, and great-grandma. In her work career, she was employed as a telephone operator in San Antonio, and for over thirty years as a secretary for Entex (CenterPoint Energy) in New Braunfels.

Doris was (and remains) a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. She is survived by her son John Howarton & his wife (Doris’ chief nurse and caregiver and angel), Angela, her grandchildren, Michael Howarton & his wife, Rae, Stephanie Harpel & her husband Shawn Michael, Alex Howarton & his wife, Rachel, Donald Ray Read & his wife, Kristi, Dianna Mendez & her husband, Adrian, and Raymond Read. Also, Doris is survived by many beloved great-grandchildren (and a couple of great-great grandchildren). Her legacy survives and grows in the lives of her children and grandchildren in which she poured out so much love and gave of all that she had. Doris B. Howarton lives on in the lives of her family on earth and in her walk with Jesus Christ in glory!

A funeral service for Doris will be held Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa St, New Braunfels, Texas 78130. Interment will follow at Comal Cemetery, 301 Peace Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130.