Brandon John Howlett

Brandon John Howlett, 24, of Oceanside, Calif., formerly of Aledo, died Saturday, April 7, 2012, in California.

Graveside services are 11 a.m. Friday at Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island, with military honors conducted by Mercer County VFW Post 1571. Meet at the Radisson hotel parking lot on John Deere Commons, 1415 River Drive, Moline, by 10:30 to proceed to the cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Bewley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 103 SW 3rd St., Aledo. Memorials may be made to Brandon's unborn baby.

Brandon was born Feb. 17, 1988, in Aledo, son of Donald and Joyce Hajostek Howlett. He graduated from Sherrard High School in 2006. He entered the U.S. Navy on Nov. 1, 2006. In 2007 as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman, he deployed on two training exercises to support the Korean Interoperability Training Program and Mojave Viper in 2008. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2008 to March 2009. He participated in more than 80 missions to include 50 EOD Nine Line Responses. On Oct. 3, 2009 HM3 Howlett reported to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.

Brandon's personal awards include the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct Metal, the Korean Defense Service Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal.

Brandon married Anne Morrison on Oct. 4, 2010, in California. He was a member of Mercer County VFW Post 1571. Brandon enjoyed Harley Davidson motorcycles, classic cars, spending time with his son, Gabe, and playing video games.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Anne; parents, Donald and Joyce Howlett, Aledo; son, Gabe; a child lovingly expected in September; brother, Justis J. Howlett, Swedona; stepsister, Rhonda Taylor; stepbrothers, Nate and Ryan Howlett; grandmothers, Dora Mae Howlett, Aledo, and Shirley Hajostek, Sherrard; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, John R. Hajostek and Eugene R. Howlett, and great-grandmothers, Amy Nelson and Martha Craft.