Raymond J. Houser

Raymond J. Houser, father of June T. DeMarco, Syosset, N.Y., and Lynn R. Houser, Bloomington, Ind., passed away Feb. 28 at Bloomington Hospital.

As himself said at his 90th birthday celebration, “I have spun a very wide web and have drawn you all into it.:

Ray wore many hats, not the least of which was a U.S. Navy cover. He devoted 35 years to the Navy, rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, the highest possible ranking for an enlisted man. He served in World War II. If you spent any time with Ray, you no doubt heard some of his Navy tales.

Another cap Ray wore was that of musician. He was an accomplished guitar and banjo player. He formed Ray’s Old Gold, a group of veteran musicians who performed around the Fort Wayne area. He also volunteered and performed for Audiences Unlimited. He entertained well into his 90s.

Ray made his living as an engineer. The last 17 years of employment were spent at the Dana Corporation, where he was the head engineer at the Churubusco plant. He retired in 1977.

Ray was a member of many organizations. He belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 09500, Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Elks, St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church and also was a former president of the local chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Ray’s greatest achievement was being a loyal husband and a nurturing father. His first wife, Marion T. Loney, predeceased him in 1985. His second wife, Mary Helen Putnam, was his spouse for 47 years until she passed away in 2005.

Also predeceasing Ray are his mother and father, Monica (Schimmele) Houser and Clement J. Houser, and five siblings, Leo, Edward, Joseph, Beatrice and Velma.

Other survivors besides his children are a daughter-in-law, Patricia Tasker Houser, Bloomington; and seven grandchildren, Joseph T. DeMarco, Silverhill, Ala., Raymond S. DeMarco, Pensacola, Fla.; Scott R. Frick, Kendallville; Robin R. Salmeron, Coral Springs, Fla. and Stephen P. Frick, Winter Springs, Fla. along with nine great grandchildren and a wealth of friends.

Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00am Saturday, March 5, 2011 at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 East Wallen Rd. with calling 1 hr prior.

Calling hours is 2-4 and 6-8pm Friday at Klaehn, Fahl and Melton, Wayne St. Chapel, 420 W. Wayne St. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has designated the American Veterans Association, and the Fort Wayne Animal Shelter. www.klaehnfahlmelton.com