A Celebration of his life will be held at 12noon Friday, April 6, 2018 at Memorial Funeral Home, in Columbia, MO. Visitation will be held from 10am - 12noon before the service. Interment in the mausoleum to follow.
Houston was born December 14, 1924 to Robert Lee Willis and Bertie Sims Willis in Sturgeon, MO. He attended Hallsville High School and graduated in 1942.
Houston married Ruth Parker on September 17, 1948 in Columbia, MO, and she preceded him in death.
Houston worked as a mechanic for Joe Dietz garage, Vandiver garage and radiator shop and Nowell’s wholesale grocery downtown Columbia. He began employment in Plant Engineering at the University Medical Center Hospital in Columbia from 1960 until his retirement in 1992.
Houston was a military veteran, and served in the United States Air Force/ Army Corp and Reserves for over 40 years and retired in 1984. He served in WWII in the Pacific Theater and was a member of the American Legion and VFW for over 60 years. One of his greatest honors was taking the Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2007.
His interests included dining out, John Wayne movies, Louis L'amour books and all sports. Houston was a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals for his entire life. He loved animals, and always had stray cats around to feed everyday.
Houston is survived by one daughter, Linda Willis of Columbia, one son, Alan Willis and wife, Terry, of Sturgeon, one grandson, Ryan Willis and fiance, Paige Chiodo of Columbia, one brother, Billy Joe Willis, of Sturgeon, MO and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, 2 sisters, Irene Rawlings and Pauline Bowne Adkisson, 2 brothers, Elbert Willis and Bobby Willis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Welcome Home for Veterans, Honor Flight and Patriot Guard Riders.
