Joseph (Joe) F. Howerton was born 5-3-1941 in Pisa, IL to Joseph A. and Myrtle (Schutz) Howerton, the youngest of five siblings. He was the last to survive. His closest living relative is Dorothy (House) Kreiling who now resides in Forest City, IL. Joseph attended the Kentucky School for the Blind, Morganfield High School (1960), Murray State University and Illinois State University. He worked for the Illinois Department of Human Services Office of Rehabilitation Services from 1978 until his retirement in 2007. He is survived by sons Brendan and Kevin Howerton, grandchildren Kaleb and Hayley Howerton, and former wife Sharon Howerton.