Porter Howard Wooten, 90, ascended to heaven to be with family, friends and God on June 26, 2014. Howard was born on September 9, 1923 in Static, Pickett County, Tennessee. Howard was the oldest of nine children, born to Floyd and Cinda Bilbrey Wooten.

Howard enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September of 1941 and served 20 years of honorable service. He was stationed on at least nine different merchant ships, as a member of the USN Armed Guard. He worked aboard four regular Navy Ships; additionally, Howard was a PLANK OWNER for the commissioning of the U.S.S. Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7), his last ship of assignment.

He retired December 1961 in San Diego, CA after having achieved the rank of Signal Man Chief (SMC E-7). After retirement, he worked as a Graphic Illustrator for the Naval Personnel Research Development Center (NPRDC) in San Diego. Howard retired for good from the four-letter word, "work," in 1985. He then further pursued his passion as an artist. His art work can be seen all over Northern San Diego County.

Howard was preceded in death by brothers Sherman and Dock Roger (DOC), his wife, Virginia Wright Wooten, and daughters, Pam Hawver and Kim Wooten.

He is survived by son Keith, of Waldorf, Maryland. The following siblings remain: Betty Morrison, Annie Conner, Theodore Wooten, Judy Martin-Urban and Jenetta Lee, all of Muncie, Indiana and Shirley Wright of St. Peter, MN as well as many nieces and nephews. Grandchildren are: Troy Freeman of Carlsbad, CA; Jennifer Ford of Red Lion, PA; Trisha Osborn of Detroit, MI; and Rachel, Brandon, and Nichole Gibbons Wooten, of Waldorf, MD. Great Grandchildren will also miss him dearly: Corey, Blake, Aiden, Isabella, James, Emma, Jayden, Brian, Ender and Kaden.

Howard lived in Waldorf, MD Keith and family since Feb 2013. Known by all as Howard, WOO or Big WOO, he will be remembered for his kindness, his artistic ability, his sense of humor, grin and, his love for Miller Lite Beer.

Final arrangements are being handled by Eternal Hills Mortuary, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054. Visitation is 9 July 4 – 8PM, Chapel services on 10th July 1pm. A gathering of remembrance will take place at 4pm at American Legion Post 365, 1234 South Santa Fe, Vista, CA 92084.

Family suggests donations to your local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) establishments, he was a life member of both, or any veterans organization of you choice.