Robert B. Howerton, Jr.

Chaplain (COL) Robert B. Howerton, Jr., USA, Retired, of Germantown, TN., passed away on December 24, 2013, at the age of 85 in San Antonio, TX. He was born March 8, 1928, in Adona, AR. He graduated from Greene County High School, Paragould, AR in 1945, Hendrix College, Conway, AR, with his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951 and Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, where he earned his Master of Theology degree in 1954. He completed his graduate work at Long Island University, George Washington University, and New York Theological Seminary. He completed a one year Clinical Residency in Clinical Pastoral Education at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD. In 1991, he received a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Rust College in Holly Springs, MS, in recognition of his achievement and accomplishments in service to humanity. He served on the Board of Trustees of Rust College, Hendrix College, and on the Board of Directors for the Methodist Hospitals Foundation.

Robert served his country proudly and retired in 1981 from Fort Sam Houston, TX, with 26 years of service. In 1962, he received the Legion of Merit Medal and a Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service in ground operations against hostile forces in Vietnam. He also received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. His last assignment was Staff Chaplain, U.S. Army Health Services Command, Fort Sam Houston, TX. His responsibility was the supervision of the Religious Ministry Team and Chaplain Personnel in all Army medical activities in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and Panama.

Robert also retired from Methodist Healthcare (formerly Methodist Health Systems) in Memphis, TN, and from the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. He served as Senior Vice President of the Health and Welfare Ministries Division of Methodist Health Systems and Methodist Hospitals of Memphis, heading the Department of Pastoral Ministries, Pastoral Education, Conference Ministries, Counseling Services and the Methodist Hospitals Foundation. In 1984, he was selected as "Chaplain of the Year" by the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries. He served as a consultant to the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, assuming responsibilities as Executive Director of the Health and Welfare Ministries Program Department. Robert served several churches in Arkansas, which included Mountain Home and Cotter. He was the son of an Arkansas United Methodist Minister. He was a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry, and a member of the Board of Global Ministries, Arkansas Conference.

Robert was truly honored on April 8, 1992, when he was invited by Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford, as the guest Chaplain, to give the opening prayer for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Robert was a member of Germantown United Methodist Church for 34 years. He was a member of the Gilbert Sunday School Class. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, counselor, mentor, and friend to many.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Robert B. Howerton and Myrtle Woodard Howerton, wife Gerry D. Howerton, sons, Charles R. Howerton and Robert B. Howerton, III and all of his brothers and sisters.

He is survived by daughter, Mary Jane Howerton Carroll and husband Michael. of San Antonio, TX.; brother in law Richard Daffron, of Flippin, AR.;grandchildren, Jennifer M. Carroll Baier and husband Talon, Matthew W. Carroll, of San Antonio, TX; Robert B. Howerton, IV and wife Heidi of Winchester, CA.; Nicholas C. Howerton and Wesley A. Howerton of Memphis, TN.; great grandchild, Wyatt W. Baier of San Antonio, TX, and his extended family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Germantown United Methodist Church, on Saturday, January 25, 2014. Visitation will be at 12:00 pm in the church parlor followed by the Memorial Service at 1:00 pm. A reception will immediately follow in the church fellowship hall.

A dual Graveside Service celebrating the lives of Robert and Geraldene Howerton, will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX., on January 31, 2014, at 1:00 pm. Robert will be buried with full military honors. A reception will immediately follow, in the worship center, at Northern Hills United Methodist Church, 3703 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, TX, 78247.

The entire Howerton/Carroll family is forever grateful to the members of Germantown UMC, and Robert's friends. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Germantown United Methodist Church, 2331 South Germantown Road, Germantown, TN, 38138, designated to the Senior Pastor Discretionary Fund.