Welcome to the memorial page for
Jerry D Howerton
June 26, 1937 ~ December 18, 2015 (age 78) 78 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
A candle was lit by Karie, Miss you!
on December 21, 2021 11:43 AM
A candle was lit by Karie love you dad!
on March 24, 2018 9:26 PM
A candle was lit by Karie miss you
on August 21, 2016 8:23 AM
Message from Mark Anderson
May 17, 2016 8:28 AM
Condolences for your loss.
Message from Reva Calhoun
May 16, 2016 7:52 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Reva Calhoun
Message from Karie Records
May 1, 2016 11:41 AM
Daddy's Little Girl
The bond between father and daughter
Will never truly end
Through memories I will always love him
My protecter, first love, my best friend
He's love was unconditional, his heart always forgiving
Like God above he was to me on earth while he was living
Your Daddy's Little Girl is a song he use to sing
My heart would pound, the words profound
To me he was my King
He made me feel so special when I walked into a room
Always glad to see me, a smile of pride I presume
He will never be forgotten, gone, but forever loved
His smile lives on through me, my angel from above
As I held his hand, with lots of tears
I whispered in his ear
Remember the song you use to sing?
He said Daddy's Little Girl...
I'll always be Daddy's Little Girl I said
As I was letting go
He squeezed my hand and said to me
I know
The bond between father and daughter
Will never truly end
Through memories I will always love him
My protecter, first love, my best friend
He's love was unconditional, his heart always forgiving
Like God above he was to me on earth while he was living
Your Daddy's Little Girl is a song he use to sing
My heart would pound, the words profound
To me he was my King
He made me feel so special when I walked into a room
Always glad to see me, a smile of pride I presume
He will never be forgotten, gone, but forever loved
His smile lives on through me, my angel from above
As I held his hand, with lots of tears
I whispered in his ear
Remember the song you use to sing?
He said Daddy's Little Girl...
I'll always be Daddy's Little Girl I said
As I was letting go
He squeezed my hand and said to me
I know
A candle was lit by Karie Records
on May 1, 2016 11:24 AM
A candle was lit by Ashley Henderson
on April 5, 2016 8:01 AM
A candle was lit by Karie
on March 29, 2016 1:29 PM
Message from Ashley Henderson
March 27, 2016 2:52 PM
You
by Ashley for her Grandpa Jerry Howerton
You
Are a familiar smell to me since I was little
Not a care in the world, I was safe and carefree
Fresh cut fire wood smoke and coffee
You
Are the one who made ME feel special
I saw the sparkle in your eye
I was your girl since I was little
You
Have supported me when you didn't agree
Unconditional love in your eyes I see
You
Were the one with all the great stories
Playing cards around the table laughing and joking...
You
Have taught me to be true genuine and kind
But funny, honest and competitive at the same time
You
Are who I think about when I'm out for a walk
Staring at the wide blue sky, a tear or two passing by
Or lying in bed after the day is over
My pillow wet
Only memories left
You
Are so loved by so many
Looked up to and admired for who you are
A real man desired
You
Are the reason I could do what I knew had to be done
Taking care of you was the greatest gift
I was honored; you trusted me until
You took your last breath
Ashley (Records) Henderson
by Ashley for her Grandpa Jerry Howerton
You
Are a familiar smell to me since I was little
Not a care in the world, I was safe and carefree
Fresh cut fire wood smoke and coffee
You
Are the one who made ME feel special
I saw the sparkle in your eye
I was your girl since I was little
You
Have supported me when you didn't agree
Unconditional love in your eyes I see
You
Were the one with all the great stories
Playing cards around the table laughing and joking...
You
Have taught me to be true genuine and kind
But funny, honest and competitive at the same time
You
Are who I think about when I'm out for a walk
Staring at the wide blue sky, a tear or two passing by
Or lying in bed after the day is over
My pillow wet
Only memories left
You
Are so loved by so many
Looked up to and admired for who you are
A real man desired
You
Are the reason I could do what I knew had to be done
Taking care of you was the greatest gift
I was honored; you trusted me until
You took your last breath
Ashley (Records) Henderson
A candle was lit by Patti Weitlauf
on March 9, 2016 2:59 PM
Message from Barbara Judkins Davis
January 8, 2016 2:20 PM
I was eight years old, when I met Jerry and his family. I had been staying in foster homes since I was five after my parents were divorced. By the time I met them I had become withdrawn and quiet. Anyhow, because of fate, I ended up living with them and none too soon. They were just thing I needed, and I came back to life. I hadn’t felt like myself since my parent’s separated. They wanted me to call them Mom and Dad like their kids did. We had a lot of fun riding bikes (Jerry and Rosemary got me one of my own), swimming, camping out in the yard, playing in the snow and sometimes getting into mischief. The times we’d do something we weren’t suppose to (and it usually was my idea) we would have to answer to Jerry. It sometimes ended up with a spanking or going to bed early. One time Karie and I was playing on the forbidden logs stacked up behind the house. She was chasing me on top of the logs and I looked back to see where she was, when I turned my head back around, I didn’t know I was falling and hit face-first into a log. I had a deep half-inch cut right under my nose. I wasn’t worried about that, but what were we going to tell Jerry? I still have the scar. A few years later, I moved out when my father married Rosemary’s sister Pat. I’d see Jerry and his family occasionally, but eventually I grew up and moved away. When my father passed away, I was looking down at him at the service and Jerry appeared beside me and said gruffly, “You know, you still have another dad,” meaning himself. It meant a lot to me. Since then I’ve seen Jerry numerous times, at picnics, at his anniversary celebration at the Geiser, and have been at their house a few times remembering funny childhood stories about everyone. A few weeks ago when I was visiting him in the La Grande hospital, a nurse came into the room and asked if I was a relative, Jerry said, she’s my daughter, and I said, Yep, I’m his daughter, she just smiled and no more was said.
Remembering Jerry and his family will be some of my favorite memories in life. Barbara Judkins Davis and Family
Remembering Jerry and his family will be some of my favorite memories in life. Barbara Judkins Davis and Family
Message from Ken Harling
January 3, 2016 2:38 PM
I have had the pleasure of knowing Jerry since 1978 through his family. Since meeting Jerry I got to know him as a person who was honest, fair and very protective of his family. Jerry also worked hard every day, I remember Jerry going ot and cutting lodge poles for my dads rail fencing operation in North Powder. I also remember sitting and talking to jerry for hours and their table listening to the stories of him plowing Austin junction pass when there was no visibility and being the only one at times working the pass. This is just one of many conversations we had one on one. I truly respected Jerry, even though we have not kept close contact for some years I will miss him when I get to North powder for a visit. To the Howerton family, my heart goes out to you all and know you and Jerry will for ever be in my prayers. God bless and always know he will be watching over each and every one of you every day.
A candle was lit by Ken and Cherryl Harling
on January 3, 2016 2:28 PM
Message from Kyler Records
January 3, 2016 9:39 AM
Mountains vast and mountains grand
High above the waves and sand
Peaks of snow that grace the clouds
Vast appearance massive and loud
A frontier many have never trend
But by animals your trails are led
Far from corruption your freedom soothing
Never changing and veins unmoving
Your face a symbol of consistency
And what it means to be free
For you have moved and changed for no one
You are as to where you have begun
A skin of plants and trees of old
But heart of stone and veins of gold
To never change but by your power
And never know time or hour
If I were you and you were me
Then I would know what it is to be free
By, Kyler Records
Message from Ryan Records
January 3, 2016 9:23 AM
Song by George Jones
" A Picture Of Me ( Without You)"
Imagine a world where no music was playing
then think of a church where nobody's praying
if you've ever looked up at a sky with no blue
then you've seen a picture of me without you
Have you walked in a garden where nothing was growing
or stood by a river where nothing was flowing
if you've seen a red rose unkissed by the dew
then you've seen a picture of me without you
Can you picture Heaven with no angels singing
or a quiet Sunday morning with no church bells ringing
if you've watched as the heart of a child's breaks in two
Then you've seen a picture of me without you...
Love, Ryan
" A Picture Of Me ( Without You)"
Imagine a world where no music was playing
then think of a church where nobody's praying
if you've ever looked up at a sky with no blue
then you've seen a picture of me without you
Have you walked in a garden where nothing was growing
or stood by a river where nothing was flowing
if you've seen a red rose unkissed by the dew
then you've seen a picture of me without you
Can you picture Heaven with no angels singing
or a quiet Sunday morning with no church bells ringing
if you've watched as the heart of a child's breaks in two
Then you've seen a picture of me without you...
Love, Ryan
Message from Karie Records
December 31, 2015 7:25 AM
Missing you so much!
A candle was lit by Karie Records
on December 31, 2015 7:21 AM
A candle was lit by Mike and Julie Black
on December 30, 2015 11:50 AM
Message from Gerald Howerton.
December 29, 2015 11:46 PM
Just a few random thoughts on my Dad... The sound of kindling burning in the wood stove downstairs... The slightly excessive early morning house noises.(you know, in case we weren't awake). The intoxicating smell of freshly brewed coffee..(only he could make it just right). And finally, "GERALD!... JOHN!.. Let's go get some wood!!! Could've sworn the shed was FULL!!!
I remember a hunting trip when we approached a few hunters contemplating how they were going to maneuver around a big boulder in the middle of a rather narrow road. No problem for my ol' man! He simply proceeded to etch his way around it!
As I looked straight down from my precarious position on the passenger side, I remember thinking that if I live, I'm never coming up here again! Anyway, we went on around the bend only to see a beautiful four-point buck. Well, one thing led to another, and before you know it, we came back around the bend with this buck in the back, etched our way around the boulder again and went on our way. The look on the faces of those other hunters was priceless. At the same time, I saw the look on my father's face. He seemed to have a " devil may care ... mischievous " look on his face that he also would put on when he was playing poker with the boys or playing Phase-ten with his "precious" unsuspecting family members. You knew you were done for when you saw that face.
However, He saved his best smiles for anyone he ever loved,be it family members,good friends, and especially the downtrodden. He would go out of his way for anyone. And all He ever would want in return was to love him back.
Well, I do love you back, Dad. I only hope I can be half the man you were.
Oh! In my house we have wood heat. Go figure!?!
I remember a hunting trip when we approached a few hunters contemplating how they were going to maneuver around a big boulder in the middle of a rather narrow road. No problem for my ol' man! He simply proceeded to etch his way around it!
As I looked straight down from my precarious position on the passenger side, I remember thinking that if I live, I'm never coming up here again! Anyway, we went on around the bend only to see a beautiful four-point buck. Well, one thing led to another, and before you know it, we came back around the bend with this buck in the back, etched our way around the boulder again and went on our way. The look on the faces of those other hunters was priceless. At the same time, I saw the look on my father's face. He seemed to have a " devil may care ... mischievous " look on his face that he also would put on when he was playing poker with the boys or playing Phase-ten with his "precious" unsuspecting family members. You knew you were done for when you saw that face.
However, He saved his best smiles for anyone he ever loved,be it family members,good friends, and especially the downtrodden. He would go out of his way for anyone. And all He ever would want in return was to love him back.
Well, I do love you back, Dad. I only hope I can be half the man you were.
Oh! In my house we have wood heat. Go figure!?!
Message from Theresa Farrow
January 5, 2016 6:17 PM
I always thought that Uncle Jerry was such a handsome man. His velvety voice was a good match for him. I still remember going over to play with my cousins Gerald, Karie and John when I was little and there on the end table was an impressive picture of him as a paratrooper. So brave and good looking! Uncle Jerry was just a bit younger than my mom and we cousins spent a lot of time playing together and my uncles and grandpa spent a lot of time playing cards. I loved to hear Aunt Rosemary and him play piano and guitar and sing. And the food, oh my goodness, Out of this world good! When I was nine, we lived just kitty corner from the Fire Department. We kids would cross two streets to go to see him when he was on duty as Captain. He would be cooking or playing games with other Fire Fighters. I was so proud! My family moved many times over the years and he always managed to support us in one way or another like when he adopted our precious dog Tammy when we moved somewhere that she could not go. She was still in the family and years later she came to live with us again. He also agreed to keep my horse when we made a move out of state. He was the only one who would love her as much as I did. The gentle, kind, man that Uncle Jerry always was made a big difference to me and my siblings. It is very comforting to have Aunts and Uncles who have been there all along and understand the family dynamics. It was always so much fun to visit and share all the crazy things that go on. He cared, he really cared! Having lived for almost 50 years out of state, I have made a point to visit Eastern Oregon to see my Uncles and cousins almost yearly. Taking my children to the astoundingly beautiful country where Uncle Jerry lived for so many years was always a highlight for all of us. I will miss my visits with him dearly but there is no doubt that he will always be with me in spirit. I love you Uncle Jerry.
A candle was lit by Emily Howerton
on December 29, 2015 5:27 PM
A candle was lit by Emily Howerton
on December 29, 2015 5:27 PM
Message from Emily Howerton
December 29, 2015 5:27 PM
I love you so much Grandpa Treat. I remember growing up every time we would show up to grandma and grandpas he would lean down and give me a hug and then look down to his pocket where he always had some sort of a treat....usually skittles. All of my worries would vanish when we went there and all that would matter was having fun at grandpa and grandmas. He used to tell me stories for hours and hours about his old jobs or about the crazy things my dad used to do and we would just laugh and laugh. He was one of the strongest, most loyal, trustworthy men I know besides my dad who got his great morals and hard work ethic from my grandpa. My grandpa worked for the Baker and Flora ODOT maintenance shops and my dad looked up to him and landed a career with ODOT in Enterprise and I always looked up to my dad and landed a training position with ODOT in Baker City. I am so proud to say im a third generation ODOT worker and I know that grandpa will always be with me and looking out for me while im on the icy roads. When I first started my job I would get a phone call every day 10 minutes after work from dad and 10 minutes after that I would get a call from grandpa and I would get to tell him what I learned that day. I moved to the area 9 months ago and visited him almost every weekend and im so thankful I got that opportunity. My grandpa has been one of my biggest supporters and has helped me get through some of the roughest times in my life. No matter how bad I was doing he was always there to help me out. He used to call me his "Emmers or Em" and we used to go back and forth sayin "love you more" for the longest time to see who would win. I love you to the moon and back and will always have a special place for you in my heart grandpa. Love you more! Rest in peace grandpa treat...always remembered, never forgotten.
Message from Shelley Bowman
December 27, 2015 10:13 PM
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of such a nice man. Although I've not seen Jerry for many years I remember him as a kind and caring person.
A candle was lit by Shelley Bowman
on December 27, 2015 10:08 PM
A candle was lit by Darrell and Betty Endicott
on December 26, 2015 6:05 PM
A candle was lit by Don Endicott and family.
on December 26, 2015 6:02 PM
Message from Al Garver
December 25, 2015 7:39 AM
Rosemary, Karie, Gerald and John,
Some of my best memories as a kid come from your family and that old house and seven acres on River Road. You might think it's curious, but I was more scared of Jerry than my own Dad (Big John Garver), who was pretty intimidating. It was my goal never to get on the wrong side of Jerry. I realize now that wasn't fear, it was respect. And it's funny why I even thought it was fear back then...because as I look back now...he actually was one of the nicest guys I ever met. He taught me how to play cribbage and backgammon and always had time for a game.
I was sharing some memories with John on the phone Tuesday and I'll share them with all of you in writing. After spending the night at the old house with John (we were probably about 16),I heard your dad bellering in the morning, "John! Get down here!" I got to observe him ask the question: "John, why is there sagebrush in the front bumper of my car?" (white Datsun B210). John was shocked and astonished and had no explanation. He seemed genuinely perplexed. I could have said, "I know Mister Howerton! It's because John was showing me how to do Dukes of Hazzard jumps off a 10-foot drop at the threshing bee grounds in the dark and we would hit the ground so hard we'd careen off the dirt road and into the sagebrush." But I didn't. Sorry, John, but the story needed to be told... :-)
I was also amazed by Jerry's work ethic. He was always working two jobs and always working around the house or farm. The last time I saw him was after he and Rosemary moved into the new house, but the basement was still unfinished. He was having trouble breathing and had to take a lot of breaks, but he was getting things done, little by little.
Our family in Georgia just watched It's a Wonderful Life last night and it's strikes me that Jerry Howerton had quite a bit in common with George Bailey. Jerry was good man with a great wife and great kids, who probably touched more lives than you or he will ever know. I'm one of them.
Merry Christmas Howerton Family!
Some of my best memories as a kid come from your family and that old house and seven acres on River Road. You might think it's curious, but I was more scared of Jerry than my own Dad (Big John Garver), who was pretty intimidating. It was my goal never to get on the wrong side of Jerry. I realize now that wasn't fear, it was respect. And it's funny why I even thought it was fear back then...because as I look back now...he actually was one of the nicest guys I ever met. He taught me how to play cribbage and backgammon and always had time for a game.
I was sharing some memories with John on the phone Tuesday and I'll share them with all of you in writing. After spending the night at the old house with John (we were probably about 16),I heard your dad bellering in the morning, "John! Get down here!" I got to observe him ask the question: "John, why is there sagebrush in the front bumper of my car?" (white Datsun B210). John was shocked and astonished and had no explanation. He seemed genuinely perplexed. I could have said, "I know Mister Howerton! It's because John was showing me how to do Dukes of Hazzard jumps off a 10-foot drop at the threshing bee grounds in the dark and we would hit the ground so hard we'd careen off the dirt road and into the sagebrush." But I didn't. Sorry, John, but the story needed to be told... :-)
I was also amazed by Jerry's work ethic. He was always working two jobs and always working around the house or farm. The last time I saw him was after he and Rosemary moved into the new house, but the basement was still unfinished. He was having trouble breathing and had to take a lot of breaks, but he was getting things done, little by little.
Our family in Georgia just watched It's a Wonderful Life last night and it's strikes me that Jerry Howerton had quite a bit in common with George Bailey. Jerry was good man with a great wife and great kids, who probably touched more lives than you or he will ever know. I'm one of them.
Merry Christmas Howerton Family!
Message from John Howerton
December 28, 2015 5:11 AM
In response to Al Garver's story about the Datson B210, my dad was no fool and he got even with me by selling the car to me, and I ended up repairing the whole front end of that car, hahaha. I never could one up dad, he was always one step ahead of me. I remember when I was helping dad and Johnny Rail build the foundation to his new house and dad told me" now John if you can help it try not to cuss around Johnny because he is a church going man and I took those words to heart until about the 5th time I hit my thumb with the hammer and I could not take it no more. I cussed big time and the look on my dads face was unforgettable. One time dad and I were cutting posts in 3 foot of snow and dragging them to the pickup and we had Luke our big dog with us and a Forest Service man was hiding behind a tree watching us and Luke let out a loud growl. The guy asked dad if our dog would hurt him and dad said it depended on if he had bad intentions, no ticket was written that day. Dad handed me his curse on the wood cutting because I still cut wood on the side for extra money but when I am in the woods cutting I always have my dad right there as it was a big part of our life. One of the things I promised dad was that I would take care of his dog "Bandit" and he is doing ok but he still walks around to see if dad is here and its sad but dad he is being spoiled and sleeps in the house now and he still gets his jerky treats everyday. I wake every morning missing your phone call. My sister asked me if there was a song that reminded me of dad and I told her "the cats in the cradle" cuz I always wanted to be like dad so much that I to work for the state highway department for 25 years and plan to retire there as he did. I told dad when he started getting sick to get to the doctors to get antibiotics and he just said we will see and when he ended up in the hospital I called the nurse and said tell the old fart I told ya so and he told her that I was probably saying that with a cigg in my mouth. He one upped me again. I asked dad where he liked to take his coffee break when he was plowing that fearful buford grade and he told me windy point and "that is where I have my coffee break" now and it is understanable why he liked it cuz you can see for miles. I will never forget when dad retired cuz he was nervous and would pace the ground even when he started going fishing he would pace and rub his callus hands together thinking he had to be doing some kind of work and I told him the only kind of work he had to do is real that big fish to shore the hard work is over. I am numb to the fact he is gone and will be for some time before reality sets in. I miss you dad and I will always love you and think of you as life goes on. Your son John
Message from Barbara Davis
January 8, 2016 2:32 PM
I was wondering who was going to take care of his dog, I bet that made Jerry rest easy knowing you were taking Bandit. What a nice story.
Message from Karie
December 28, 2015 11:31 AM
You made me cry, again.
Message from Jason Judkins
December 24, 2015 2:45 PM
Its too bad I didn't live closer to Uncle Jerry, so I could have been around him more often. I will miss him at the family picnics he attended by his house.
A candle was lit by Jason Judkins
on December 24, 2015 2:38 PM
A candle was lit by Barbara Judkins Davis and Family
on December 23, 2015 12:36 PM
A candle was lit by Mark Anderson
on December 23, 2015 12:27 PM
Message from Gary Judkins
December 23, 2015 8:52 AM
As a young man,I knew Jerry as my uncle,and all of his children,Karie,Jerald and John,as my cousins,even though we were not blood relatives,he always made me feel like I was part of the family.Jerry was my uncle because my mother Patsy Connor is Jerry's wife's sister "Rosie".As a young child,I remember seeing Jerry at the Fire station in Baker,and how proud I was that I could say my Uncle was a fireman.Jerry was a bigger part of my sisters life,because he gave her,memories that have lasted her life,just the other day,Barbara told me how Jerry was the perfect picture of what she thought a father was,by the way Jerry treated his children,and Jerry treated her no less,so I would like to thank you Jerry Howeton for giving this blessing to my sister,and giving her life this gift.I think in life we all grow older,grow wiser,and life changes over and over again,we all start life with a clean slate,some have a really good start,while others struggle from fom the get go.All along the way,you go through life bouncing from one situation to another.I'd like to believe that Jerry Howe ton had some part in my own life,in that the short time I knew him,I belive he was one of the components that helped me to change my own life.I always have looked up to Jerry,and he was a tall man,not just by heighth,but by the many ,many attributes that all of us seen in him.As humans we all wish to accomplish and contribute alot in life,some leave this world,and don't leave a trace,but Jerry Howerton seems to have left way more than is apperent to the naked eye.Good bye Jerry,you stuck out in my life as one of the icons that left a lifelong impression.my condolences to Jerald,John,Karie,it was an honor to have known your father.........Gary
Message from Barbara Judkins Davis
January 9, 2016 10:17 AM
I couldn't have said it better, and I think Justin and Jason would agree.
A candle was lit by Gary Judkins
on December 23, 2015 8:01 AM
Message from Michelle Harris
December 22, 2015 6:17 PM
My Uncle Jerry wad such an amazing and lovable man. He was loving, caring, and the epitome of what a real man is.
He was such a loving person and made me feel secure and special.
I will forever miss his beautiful smiling eyes and smile. Most of all..I will miss his God given unique spirit .
He was such a special man and will be forever missed by all family and friends. I am thankful for having shared life with him.
My heart and prayers are with the family.
He was such a loving person and made me feel secure and special.
I will forever miss his beautiful smiling eyes and smile. Most of all..I will miss his God given unique spirit .
He was such a special man and will be forever missed by all family and friends. I am thankful for having shared life with him.
My heart and prayers are with the family.
A candle was lit by Michelle Harris
on December 22, 2015 4:15 PM
Message from Terry Speelman
December 22, 2015 3:14 PM
Sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with the family. While a city police officer, I worked with Jerry several years. Always felt comfortable while answering a call with Jerry. He was very competent and a pleasure to work with. Rst in peace my friend.
Message from Karie
December 22, 2015 2:57 PM
When I was a little girl, my daddy would sit me on his knee at the piano while he would play and sing Daddy’s Little Girl.
You're the end of the rainbow
My Pot of Gold
You're Daddy's Little Girl to have and hold
A precious gem is what you are
You're Mommy's Bright and shining star.
You're the spirit of Christmas
My star on the tree
You’re the Easter Bunny to Mommy and me.
You're sugar
You're spice
You're everything nice
And you're Daddy's Little Girl
On the eve of his passing I held his hands in mine and asked, “Do you remember that song you would sing to me when I was little”. He said,” Daddy’s Little Girl.” I said, “You know I will always be Daddy’s Little Girl”. He said, “I know” as he squeezed my hand.
His passing was one of the hardest things I will ever do in my life and yet it is single handedly the most worthwhile thing I’ve ever done. I got to keep him comfortable, surround him with love, and let him know how much I loved him. He will always be a part of me; in my thoughts, spirit, heart and in my actions. I want his smile to live on through me.
I use to tell him I love you to the moon and back and I still do!
Love, your daughter
Karie Renae
You're the end of the rainbow
My Pot of Gold
You're Daddy's Little Girl to have and hold
A precious gem is what you are
You're Mommy's Bright and shining star.
You're the spirit of Christmas
My star on the tree
You’re the Easter Bunny to Mommy and me.
You're sugar
You're spice
You're everything nice
And you're Daddy's Little Girl
On the eve of his passing I held his hands in mine and asked, “Do you remember that song you would sing to me when I was little”. He said,” Daddy’s Little Girl.” I said, “You know I will always be Daddy’s Little Girl”. He said, “I know” as he squeezed my hand.
His passing was one of the hardest things I will ever do in my life and yet it is single handedly the most worthwhile thing I’ve ever done. I got to keep him comfortable, surround him with love, and let him know how much I loved him. He will always be a part of me; in my thoughts, spirit, heart and in my actions. I want his smile to live on through me.
I use to tell him I love you to the moon and back and I still do!
Love, your daughter
Karie Renae
Message from Ken Harling
January 3, 2016 2:53 PM
Karie,
There are no words I can say that can heal what you have gone through. You were the twinkle in his eye, you could see just how much he loved you. I could always tell you were his little girl, he protected you and was always there for you as well as John and Gerald. My sincere condolences to you, he will sorely missed
There are no words I can say that can heal what you have gone through. You were the twinkle in his eye, you could see just how much he loved you. I could always tell you were his little girl, he protected you and was always there for you as well as John and Gerald. My sincere condolences to you, he will sorely missed
A candle was lit by Karie
on December 22, 2015 2:57 PM
Message from PATTY ROGERS STOCKDALE
December 22, 2015 2:55 PM
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF YOUR BROTHER...AUDREY ANN AND RAY. I ONLY KNEW HIM AS YOUR OLDER BROTHER WHEN WE WERE KIDS GOING TO THE PONDOSA SCHOOL...BLESS ALL OF YOUR FAMILY.
A candle was lit by Heather Madison
on December 22, 2015 2:47 PM
Message from Rosemary Howerton
December 22, 2015 1:39 PM
I know how much you love me-
I see it in your face
When you put your arms around me,
And we share a sweet embrace,
I can hear it in your gentle voice
and know you understand,
I can feel it in your tender touch
Each time you take my hand…
I know how much you love me,
I see it in your eyes-
The look that reassures me
More than you may realize,
I can sense your real concern for me
In everything you do-
No one could love her husband
Any more than I love you.
I read this to Jerry on the eve of his death. He could not respond with words but squeezed my hand.
Rosemary
I see it in your face
When you put your arms around me,
And we share a sweet embrace,
I can hear it in your gentle voice
and know you understand,
I can feel it in your tender touch
Each time you take my hand…
I know how much you love me,
I see it in your eyes-
The look that reassures me
More than you may realize,
I can sense your real concern for me
In everything you do-
No one could love her husband
Any more than I love you.
I read this to Jerry on the eve of his death. He could not respond with words but squeezed my hand.
Rosemary
Message from Ken Harling
January 3, 2016 2:46 PM
Rosemary, I could always see the love you both had for each other. He truly loved you and his family
A candle was lit by Caron Gatson Thomas
on December 22, 2015 1:25 PM
Message from Valerie Tachenko
December 22, 2015 12:30 PM
My thoughts and prayers to all of Jerry's family. What a honor for all of you to be able to spend those last few days together. Dad said he still had his sense of humor. I loved Jerry's smile and sense of humor. He and Rosemary were always there willing to help with any job. I have a picture of the Christmas he got a very special ping pong paddle with a hole in the middle!!!! What fun!
A candle was lit by Kristi Witkowski
on December 22, 2015 8:52 AM
Message from Dean Records
December 22, 2015 7:15 AM
I met Jerry Howerton 40 years ago when I asked to take his daughter to a school dance. Jerry graciously allowed her to ride along with me in my less than dependable car. I always felt welcome in his and Rosemary’s home, which is probably one of the reasons I am still part of his family. He was 42 years old when he gave me Karie’s hand in marriage, at a time when he was always busy. Jerry always worked at several jobs, and would recruit me to help with “getting wood”, or cutting poles, or cutting posts. I remember driving an old GMC truck to Granite and spending the day dragging poles off the hills, trying to keep up with Jerry cutting them down. I also recall taking the old truck along with Jerry’s pickup to the Chicken Hill road behind Anthony Lakes to cut firewood, where the old truck decided it didn’t want to work anymore. Jerry said “might as well cut wood while we are here”. We cut about 4 cord of wood, filling the truck and pickup. I decided I didn’t want to walk, so I used some of the farmer engineering I learned from my granddad to get it running again. Baling wire and spare parts can fix a lot of things. Later after learning more mechanical skills, Jerry “allowed” me to overhaul the engine in the old truck. On the side of the road with an old tractor as a lift. In the winter. Love you Jerry! He always had a little thing for me to help him with, and I loved it. Fix this or build that, change a light bulb up high. To him it was another chance to socialize. I helped to build the house on River Lane. We would come from Portland with all the kids to work for a few days with him and John Rail. He was proud of that house on the hill and it was an honor to help him build it.
Another memory of mine is a fishing trip to Neah Bay at the tip of the Olympic peninsula. Jerry and I left after work and drove most of the night to spend a few days fishing and playing cards with his brothers. I recall a lot more card playing than fishing, and Jerry came home about $200 richer. It was not wise to play poker with Jerry Howerton! Then there were a few times when Jerry needed “a little help” to get an elk that he had killed. A “little help” is walking to the back side of Gorham Butte in the road-less hunt area to cut up and carry out the elk. On the steepest hill around. In the dark. In the winter. Love you Jerry! But the thing about Jerry Howerton is that no matter how much you helped him, he had always given you more than you could ever repay. As he passed from this life, he did not have a lot of “stuff”. Jerry was a giver, and it seemed that whatever was his was yours also.
Last week I had the honor of helping Jerry again. We met as a family in his hospital room, and decided it was time to bring him home. In the dark. In the winter. Roads closing. He agreed that since the weather was bad, he would come to Hermiston with Karie and me, as long as we brought his dog. (Love you Jerry!) Rosemary, his sons, and several grandchildren were able to spend time with him for the next few days. So my last opportunity to help came in the form of making Jerry comfortable and loving him for his last few days. He was not giving up, saying he was going home until the very end. We were able to tell him we loved him as he left us peacefully. Although it was the hardest task I have helped Jerry with, I was honored that I was a part of it. I love you Jerry Howerton, and I will do my best to follow your example. What an honor. What a man!
Dean Records
Another memory of mine is a fishing trip to Neah Bay at the tip of the Olympic peninsula. Jerry and I left after work and drove most of the night to spend a few days fishing and playing cards with his brothers. I recall a lot more card playing than fishing, and Jerry came home about $200 richer. It was not wise to play poker with Jerry Howerton! Then there were a few times when Jerry needed “a little help” to get an elk that he had killed. A “little help” is walking to the back side of Gorham Butte in the road-less hunt area to cut up and carry out the elk. On the steepest hill around. In the dark. In the winter. Love you Jerry! But the thing about Jerry Howerton is that no matter how much you helped him, he had always given you more than you could ever repay. As he passed from this life, he did not have a lot of “stuff”. Jerry was a giver, and it seemed that whatever was his was yours also.
Last week I had the honor of helping Jerry again. We met as a family in his hospital room, and decided it was time to bring him home. In the dark. In the winter. Roads closing. He agreed that since the weather was bad, he would come to Hermiston with Karie and me, as long as we brought his dog. (Love you Jerry!) Rosemary, his sons, and several grandchildren were able to spend time with him for the next few days. So my last opportunity to help came in the form of making Jerry comfortable and loving him for his last few days. He was not giving up, saying he was going home until the very end. We were able to tell him we loved him as he left us peacefully. Although it was the hardest task I have helped Jerry with, I was honored that I was a part of it. I love you Jerry Howerton, and I will do my best to follow your example. What an honor. What a man!
Dean Records
Message from Ken Harling
January 3, 2016 2:44 PM
Nicely written Dean, good memories you two had
Message from Kathy Gorham Mendoza
December 22, 2015 3:22 PM
Those are some special memories Dean.
A candle was lit by Lisa Massy (Christensen) and Tom Christensen
on December 22, 2015 3:56 AM
A candle was lit by Family of Cecil and Loretta Morrison
on December 21, 2015 10:23 PM
A candle was lit by Lorraine Howerton
on December 21, 2015 8:18 PM
A candle was lit by Melissa Andino
on December 21, 2015 7:59 PM
Message from Debbie Howerton
December 21, 2015 7:57 PM
I am so blessed and thankful for the years that I was able to get to know my Uncle Jerry and the times I got to spend with him. He always took the time to lend an ear to listen and give advice when needed, while showing how much he cared. I loved the time we all spent together playing poker, cribbage, and table tennis. He would always beat me, even after giving me a ten point lead. My dad would be like a little kid waiting for his brother, Uncle Jerry, to come play when he knew he was coming over. On the Saturday before he passed, my Uncle and I had a great visit and he shared a story with me about a time him and my dad were playing a game of cribbage for 50¢ a hole. He was telling me about how my dad must have gotten distracted because he was pegging in the wrong direction and Uncle Jerry told him he was going to double skunk him and my dad asked why and Uncle Jerry said said, "because you're pegging backwards!" My dad then told him, "well this game doesn't count." My uncle and I had a good laugh when I told him if he would have been the one pegging backwards, it would have counted!
Much love to a kind, loving, and generous man. I hope my dad and you are playing many games of poker and cribbage in heaven.
Much love to a kind, loving, and generous man. I hope my dad and you are playing many games of poker and cribbage in heaven.
A candle was lit by Bill & LaDonna Uttenreuther
on December 21, 2015 7:38 PM
A candle was lit by Sally and Randy Aldrich
on December 21, 2015 7:22 PM
A candle was lit by Forrest Turner
on December 21, 2015 7:06 PM
A candle was lit by Cecil and Jodi George
on December 21, 2015 7:06 PM
A candle was lit by Cecil and Jodi George
on December 21, 2015 7:06 PM
Message from Lynne Gorham McCormick
December 21, 2015 7:00 PM
Jerry and his family are very dear to my family and I feel your loss. All my love to Rosie, Gerald, Karie, John and their families.
Message from Nina turner
December 21, 2015 6:39 PM
We will miss him greatly. Uncle Jerry had an Elvis hair poof as I called it. He sang, played his guitar and laughed a lot. Such fun memories! RIP.
A candle was lit by Nina Turner
on December 21, 2015 6:36 PM
Message from Patti Weitlauf
December 21, 2015 6:27 PM
We will miss your beautiful loving smile, and you big kind loving heart. Love you all
Message from Jen and Tom
December 21, 2015 6:26 PM
Jerry was a wonderful giving man. He always had a sweet smile for me and the kids anytime we were around. It was a pleasure to know him.love to you all. Tom and Jen Phillips
A candle was lit by Patti Weitlauf
on December 21, 2015 6:24 PM
Message from Verla Benson
December 20, 2015 9:24 PM
Jerry was my Uncle! I remember when Jerry and Rosie got engaged. The whole family just loved him, from the very beginning. He was such a wonderful person. He always had a smile on his face and was willing to help anyone. I'm sorry that I did not live closer, as all of my members of him happened when I was younger. But it doesn't matter when, I just loved him so much. I'm so sorry he's gone!
Love to the family, my family. Love Sis
Love to the family, my family. Love Sis
A candle was lit by Verla Benson and Family
on December 20, 2015 9:20 PM
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