John Lee Howerton (retired) SMSgt, 53

John Lee Howerton (retired) SMSgt, 53, of Lynn Haven, Florida, formerly of French Lick, passed away at his sister’s residence in Jasper on February 28th, 2015.

He was born on November 29th, 1961 in Nashville, Tenn. to Orin Hugh Howerton and Rebecca June (Roberts) Howerton.

His parents preceded him in death.

John married Althea K. Bound on September 24th, 1994.

He graduated from Springs Valley High School Class of 1979.

John entered the United States Air Force on September 8th, 1982 and retired in 2010. While in the United States Air Force he served many overseas deployments. During these deployments he was awarded the Purple Heart as well as numerous other commendations and medals.

He is survived by his wife, Althea K. (Bound) Howerton (retired) TSgt Lynn Haven, Fla., one sister, Ellen Hanselman and her husband Alan of Jasper; three nephews, D.J. Hanselman, Nathan (Bridget) Hanselman and Jeremy Hanselman, all of Jasper.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4th, 2015 at the Brosmer-Kemple Funeral Home. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4th, 2015 at the Brosmer-Kemple Funeral Home.

There will be a graveside committal service held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5th, at the Patoka Memorial Cemetery in French Lick, Indiana with military graveside rites performed by the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard.

Darrel Land will officiate.

Burial will be in the Patoka Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Springs Valley Education Fund, C/O Orange County Community Foundation, 112 West Water Street, Paoli, Indiana 47454.

Arrangements are in the care of Brosmer-Kemple Funeral Home 9640 W. State Rd. 56 French Lick, In. 47432.

Condolences may be made on our Facebook page at Brosmer-Kemple Funeral Home or at our website – www.brosmer-kemplefuneralhome.com.