Michael D. Howerton

Michael D. Howerton, age 63, passed away Sunday, November 2, 2014. He was the vice president and general manager of the Louisville Marriott Downtown. Living in Louisville since 2005, he was former president of the Greater Louisville Hotel & Lodging Association and was named to the convention bureau board in 2011, being elected chair in 2012. His career spanned more than 25 years, where he joined parent company White Lodging as vice president of food and beverage and moved to regional vice president of operations of 34 hotels in the company chain. He then became White Lodging's Midwest market vice president, a job that included overseeing the 600-room Louisville Marriott Downtown. Michael was given more than 100 industry, corporate and community recognitions throughout his career. He was five-time Marriott general manager of the year. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel Marie and son, Wallace Ronald Dean.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Lana; son, Michael D. Howerton II; daughter, Candace Grace (Rian); parents, Ronald D. and Jane S. Howerton; sister, Deborah Willis (Terry Willis); several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

A memorial ceremony will be held 3:30pm Thursday, November 6, 2014 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in the ballroom.

Visitation will be 2-3pm Sunday, November 9, 2014 in the Fireside Room of Southeast Christian Church, 920 Blankenbaker Pkwy. Funeral ceremony will follow at 3pm in the church chapel. Burial will take place on Monday at Macon County Memorial Park in Decatur, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to the Children's Hospital Foundation, 234 E. Gray Street, Suite 450, Louisville, KY. 40202.

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