Howard Yelton age 89 of Whitesides Road went home to be with The Lord on Saturday May 20, 2017 while being cared for at Rutherford County Hospice. A native of Rutherford County he was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a member and Past Master of The Spindale Masonic Lodge, a member of the York Rite and was a Shriner. Howard retired from the Rutherford County Department of Health where he spent his career as a local health inspector.

Howard is survived by his loving wife Lilia Uy Yelton of the home, two children - Donnie Yelton and Lucille Mauck; one brother Blaine Yelton, one sister Betty Clark, seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and a number of other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edgar & Effie Yelton, one son Eddie Yelton and one daughter Louise Yelton Price.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM Wednesday May 24, 2017 at Crowe's Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1 - 2 PM Wednesday May 24, 2017 at Crowe's Mortuary. Concluding services will be held with Masonic Rites at Eternal Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Rutherford County Hospice P.O. Box 336 Forest City NC 28043. Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family of Howard Yelton.