was born in the quaint little town of Ballard California on June 16th, 1928. His parents were Eldon F. Howerton and Lucricia C. (Munoz) Bill & Billy. Gene was the oldest of five boys of whom all proudly served their country in various branches of the military.

Ty Howerton country boys were raised from Ballard and Santa Rosa Rd, Hollister Ranch to Lompoc CA. All within a radius of 50 miles.
Gene was the oldest, then Vernon, Harvey, Lester and David. Their wives were Dorothy (2006), Pearl, Annette (2023) June, Judy Howerton.
Gene being the last of his generation, a descendant of an early “Alta California” Family: The Jose Maria Munoz and Maria Boronda Delissegues Munoz family.
Gene and Dorthy (Martin) married in 1949 in the Baptist Church in Lompoc. They had three children, Susan  (Neeb), James, and Peggy (Smith). All resided at the little house Gene had built at the “Y” in Lompoc.

He moved his family to Northern CA in 1957 where he bought a sizable cattle ranch in Kelseyville, in Lake Co. After managing the ranch for a few years, he then went into Forestry then onto construction, always following the work. This brought Gene back to Lompoc becoming a General Contractor, mostly in Santa Ynez areas. He loved the outdoors and camping, where he hunted and fished. In his early years he would hunt raccoons with his hound dogs. He then later moved back to beautiful Northern Ca. where he continued what he loved to do thereafter in Grass Valley and Nevada City. He was a hard worker alongside his son Jim. They built many custom homes together where Gene would draw up some amazing plans. He did this tirelessly until he retired at age 70.

During his busy life, Gene grew ever closer to his Lord Jesus, He had become the center of his life. Being led by the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel with everyone. Gene went on to become an Elder in a Little Country Church under Pastor Mark Carlson on Alta Street, then he helped to remodel his next Church, Gold Country, on La Barr Meadows Rd.

Gene and Dorothy had a love for Christ and Family, leaving a Family of three and their spouses, Ron Smith, John Neeb and Stephanie Howerton, they had 11 Grandchildren and 17 Great Grandchildren with many close Friends and extended family members.

Gene’s Memorial Service will be held on August 10th, at 10795 Alta Street, Abundant Life Community Church, Grass Valley ,California 95959.   His service will start at 10:30 am, officiated by Grandson, Timothy Gilchrist and Pastor Jeff Alaways.

All the family would like to thank Golden Empire Nursing & Rehab Center for their love and tireless care and consideration they gave our Father and Papa.