“Absent from the body present with the Lord.”
Kenneth C. Houck, Jr., 84, of Indiana, is now at peace after a long illness.
He was born Nov. 7, 1933 in Altoona, to the late Kenneth C. and Marie E. Capwell Houck.
Mr. Houck was a 1952 graduate of Williamsburg High School and a member of Zion Lutheran Church. In fourth grade at Williamsburg Elementary School, Ken gave his “Club Scout” ring to the “love of his life” Peggy Perrin and vowed to marry her when they grew up. They did marry on June 21, 1952 and raised four children, three sons and a daughter.
He served in the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne, from 1954 to 1956 as an OTS instructor at Camp Gordon, GA, after the Korean Conflict. After his military service he worked as an EXI foreman at the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company in Williamsburg, then DM Bare Paper Company in Roaring Springs. In 1967, he accepted a position at the Keystone Generating Station in Shelocta, from which he retired after 32 years as Coal Handling Supervisor. His proudest accomplishments were his family and his job. All family gatherings were “Precious Moments” to him.
Ken was a member of the Indiana B.P.O.E. 931, Indiana VFW Post 1989, Indiana Lodge #313 F&A.M. His many hobbies were fishing, hunting, making cider, bowling, boating, gardening and he loved to polka. Ken was a man of many skills, which he passed on to his children. He will be passionately missed.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Peggy, of Indiana, with whom they sang their favorite song together, “You Are My Sunshine.” He is also survived by his son, K. Michael Houck and wife Valerie, of Johnstown, and their daughters, Kaitlin and Emily; son, Daniel and wife Patti, of Johnstown, and their sons, Marc and wife Nikki, and Eric; daughter, Kendy L. Pellegrene and husband Gene, of Blairsville, and their daughter, Kendy Anna Marie and husband Joe; son, Shawn and wife Bonnie, of Indiana, and their son, Nathan; siblings: Fred Houck of Johnstown; Joanne Mingle and husband Bob, of Williamsburg; Linda Houck and husband Lester, Williamsburg; Rick Houck, of Williamsburg; Sandra Kason and husband John, of Duncansville; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Harry L. Houck and his wife Shirley; and a sister-in-law, Shirley Houck.
Visitation and services are private. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, with Pastor Sarah Aasheim officiating. Robinson-Lytle, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
The observance of military honors will be accorded by members of the Indiana VFW Post 1989.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to the Communities at Indian Haven, 1675 Saltsburg Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701, VNA/Hospice, 850 Hospital Road, Suite 3000, Indiana, PA 15701, or a charity of your choice.
