Cornell Houston

Cornell Houston 82, of Indianapolis, IN passed away on 28 July 2016. He was born in Nashville, TN on 17 Oct 1933 and raised in Pulaski, TN. Graduating from Bridgeforth High School in Pulaski, TN as a two sport athlete (Football and Basketball), he earned full athletic scholarship to A&I State College (Tennessee State). At the end of his freshman year at A&I College, Cornell entered the United States Navy as a Ships Steward in 1953 and after 30 years of distinguished service rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, retiring in May 1983. He served exemplary as Training Program Coordinator for Ship’s Maintenance, Material, Management (3-M), the command Chairman of the Staff Human Relations Council, and the CNTECHTRA Representative to the area Navy Human Relations Council. His career in the Navy was so distinguished it prompted Rear Admiral R.C. Austin to write the following: �"Chief Warrant Officer Houston’s self-assurance, willingness to accept responsibility, and capability to get the job done make him an asset to his command. He is an outstanding Naval Officer who handles all tasks in a professional manner. Based on his demonstrated capacity for assignments of greater responsibility, he is highly recommended for the Limited Duty Officer program.” After his 30 year career as a Naval Officer, Cornell took on the role of Supervisor for the Flood Control Division with the Department of Public Works in the city of Indianapolis until he retired from that position in 1999.

Throughout his professional career and retirement Cornell was a loving husband (widowed), father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and person. He did all that he could to be a male role model to his family and those he came in contact with. The way in-which he lived his life made him a great example of loyalty and fairness. He was the epitome of an officer and a gentlemen.