Dayton Ellis Howes, 87, of Buckhannon, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 4, 2020, in the comfort of his own home and surrounded by loving family.

He was born in Hemlock on June 28, 1932, a son of the late Clyde Andrew and Stella Jane Tenney Howes.

On April 13, 1953, Dayton married the love of his life, Eva Kathryn Queen. Together they enjoyed the joys of marriage and raising their three daughters. After more than 66 years of marriage, Kathy will miss her best friend immensely.

Forever cherishing their memories of Dayton are his wife, Kathy; two daughters: Annette Marquardt-Kimball and husband, Larry, of Morgan, UT, and Stella Ruth Howes of Brownsville, PA; four grandchildren: Melissa Daugherty and husband, Ian, of Buckhannon, Mason Simmons of Washington, PA, Lindsey Williams of Buckhannon, and Kathryn Appleton and husband, Jason, of Smithfield, PA; twelve great-grandchildren: Alexa, Olivia, Nekaiya, Isabella, Sophronia, Aldora, Andrew, Dayton, Eva, Alyssa, Ophelia, and Rayna; one sister, Loretta Gillum and husband, Tom, of French Creek; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dayton was greeted at Heaven’s Gates by his parents; one daughter, Molly Darlene Howes Smith; two grandchildren: Brianna Lynn Smith and Timothy Wayne Simmons; and four siblings: Delmar Jewel Howes, Clyde Junior Howes, Cara Mae Howes Bosley, and Doris Agatha Howes Whiting.

Dayton graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School in 1950. He proceeded to join the United States Air Force where he spent over 20 years serving his country and retired as a Master Sergeant. Since he was a young child Dayton played the violin, a passion he gained from his father, Clyde. In the 1970’s Dayton began making his own fiddles, like his father, and that became his profession. His job was also his passion and he shared his talent with many at the workshops he taught for the Augusta Heritage Center at Davis and Elkins College. Dayton’s violins were highly sought and many found their way into the hands of classical violinists and champion fiddlers across the country. Dayton also enjoyed raising crops and always had a garden. His enthusiasm for nature encouraged him to become a self-taught botanist which aided him in growing his bountiful gardens and crops. Above all else, Dayton treasured his time spent with family and friends.

Family and friends will gather for visitation at Tomblyn-Clutter Funeral and Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday in the Tomblyn-Clutter Funeral Chapel with Reverend Helen Oates officiating. Interment will follow at Waterloo Cemetery in French Creek.

Full military honors will be provided by the Upshur County Honor Guard and the United States Air Force.

We, at Tomblyn-Clutter Funeral and Cremation, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Dayton Ellis Howes. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Tomblyn-ClutterFuneral.com.

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