A memorial service is 1 p.m. today at Northern Nevada Veteran's Cemetery in Fernley for former Gardnerville businessman Daniel L. Howerton, 88, who died April 2, 2010.
Born Nov. 7, 1921, in Thermal, Calif., to Ralph and Florence Howerton, he was the last surviving of eight children.
Mr. Howerton was a World War II veteran, serving on the last combat cruise of the USS Pennsylvania ending at Okinawa. Mr. Howerton had a long and varied career, starting in California farm fields, through Arizona and Utah mines and eventually into the auto body business. He owned Danny's Autobody shop in Gardnerville for 25 years. He was a Douglas County deputy sheriff for 10 years and a founding member and former commander of the Douglas County Sheriff's posse. He was their first member accorded an honorary life membership after his retirement from that organization.
He retired to a life of hunting and fishing with family and friends, from British Columbia to Mexico. During his stints at home between various trips he raised game birds and grew wonderful vegetable gardens.
He is survived by five children; four step-children; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many friends.
