Robert Ed Howton, of Cottondale, AL, affectionately known as “Bro. Bob,” passed away May 8, 2021 at DCH Regional Medical Center, at age of 92. He was surrounded by is family, and peacefully laid down his sword. He was a giant of an individual who has left an enormous hole in our hearts by his absence. However, we have much happiness in the great life he lived before God and us.
Mr. Howton is survived by his wife of 73 years, Annie Howton; daughter, Patricia Duren (Wayne); son, Bradley Howton; brother, Harold Gene Howton; grandchildren, Elizabeth Thompson (Ben), Joseph Box, Lensey Michelle Shaw (Jason), and Robert Blakney Howton (Chelsea); and great-grandchildren, Caleb Thompson, Canaan Thompson, Alden Thompson, Peyton Elise Howton, Liam Howton, Landen Shaw, and Tucker Shaw.
He was a man of great integrity. Perhaps his greatest attribute was that of being a real Christian. He started his adult life in 1947 when he married his wife, Annie Lea Wheeler. He called her an angel, and the love of his life. They were married 73 years. With Mother by his side, he was separated from her in 1952, when drafted to the Army in Korea. He was a Telecommunications Technician.
At home, Daddy was a man who could fix anything. He dearly loved all flowers, and trees. He loved bluegrass music, little children and people. His favorite song was “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. He was author of two books for spiritual growth, and was often caring for the work of The Church. He was an Elder, Bible class teacher, and counselor for more than 60 years of his life. He was a member of East Pointe Church of Christ, and was in preparation of going to Church when he left home for the hospital. He would often go to Church very weak and sick, but would come to life on arriving to see Christian friends. He had a heart full of compassion, and would often empty his pockets to help someone in need. Daddy was a great story teller, and will be remembered for his “Plowboy language” to make his point clear, though he had a phenomenal vocabulary!
Daddy was a true soldier of the cross. In every prayer he would pray, “May we walk in right paths, so we may meet Thee in peace at death!” We cannot end without acknowledging our Wonderful God, Who has helped us, lead and directed us on this journey! We thank and love Him to the depths of our being! (Proverbs 3:5-6) Daddy would want us to keep “Pressing toward the mark” in obedience to God! There are no words to say how much we all loved him, and thank him for his Godly life and example!
Pallbearers will be brother-in-law, Jalal Asadi; grandson, Joseph Box; grandson (Wayne), Clint Duren; nephew, Melvin Howton; grandson (Lensey), Jason Shaw; and nephew, Morris Wheeler.
Honorary pallbearers are Christian Friends of East Pointe Church of Christ, Cleveland Winn of Amedisys Hospice, Dr. Donald Scott, nurses and staff of 7 South DCH, Nancy Elliott, Dr. Larry Skelton and staff, Ms. Linda Dickson, Ben Thompson, and Dr. Abdulah Darwich.
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