David Allan Houser Sr.

Dave was born January 3, 1939, in Lebanon, Indiana, the first child of three children of Clarence and Harriett Houser. He attended public schools in Indianapolis until 1950 when he moved to South Miami, Florida, with his parents. He graduated in 1957 from Coral Gables High School where he was an “All City” defensive end on the football team that was undefeated in 1956 and was the 1956 State Champions. Two years after graduation he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Joan Atkinson. Dave and Joan were happily married for over 51 years when she passed away in 2011. With the loving support of his wife Dave graduated from Florida State University with a major in law enforcement and a commission as Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Army. He spent 2 years on active duty and 26 years in the Army Reserve retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Most of his Army Reserve career was served in the 3220th U. S. Army Garrison and subordinate commands including four years as commander of the 2368th Signal Detachment. Dave was a Life Member of the Reserve Officers Association and for several years served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Palm Beach County Chapter. He was also a member of the American Legion and a Life Member of The Military Officers Association of America.

Dave worked for the West Palm Beach Police Department for over 30 years retiring as a lieutenant. During most of his police career he was assigned to criminal investigations. Dave taught several law enforcement subjects for several years in the Palm Beach County police academy. He was a past president of the West Palm Beach Fraternal Order of Police Lodge and was one of three founders of the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association and served over six years (1972 – 1978) as the Secretary-Treasurer of that organization. Dave leaves us as the longest serving dues paying member of the Palm Beach County PBA. During his police career he graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Masters Degree in Public Administration and from the Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville. He also worked for H&R Block as a seasonal tax professional for 21 years including 5 years as office manager.

Dave was a charter member of the Palm Springs Baptist Church and in recent years attended the First Baptist Church of Lake Worth which is now known as Church by the Glades Lake Worth Campus.

Dave is survived by his four children: David Houser, Jr., Julie Douglas, Angela Holcomb, and Jennifer Dragovich. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, and sister Camille Martin. He was predeceased by one grandchild and his brother Dennis Houser. He is also survived by five great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Dorsey/E. Earl Smith Memory Gardens, 3041 Kirk Road, Lake Worth, FL 33461, US, on June 22, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 FL-7, Lake Worth, FL 33449, US, on June 22, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 1:45 pm.

The family request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Church by the Glades Lake Worth Campus, 127 South M Street, Lake Worth, FL 33460-4199, or to a charity of one’s choice.