Gerald Allen Houghtaling

Jerry was born on September 12, 1937, in Harlingen, Texas. He served with the US Navy on the carrier USS Oriskaney and was honorably discharged in 1963.

On September 4, 1965, Jerry married Athena Penett, at Annunciation Cathedral in Houston, Texas. He graduated from the University of Houston in 1970, and was a respected mechanical engineer for over 38 years. He fostered his love of travel by starting Zeus Trucking Company and drove cross-country stopping to visit his children and friends.

Jerry was an active participant in the lives of his children and touched the lives of many of their friends. He was proud of his children's successes and instilled in them the same strong work ethic learned while growing up on a farm in Rio Hondo, Texas. He never said, "no" to a request for help. Jerry was a cancer survivor, a loyal American and embraced the Greek traditions that became a part of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Kathryn and Albert Houghtaling and Helen and Steve Penett; brother-n-law, Thomas Steve Penett; grandparents, Martha and Morris Houghtaling; and his Koumbara, Angero Wright.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Athena; sons, Gus and Greg; daughters, Becky & Scott Schiefelbein and their daughter, Nina, and Cyndi & Chris Keyes; sisters, Ruth & Kenneth Fultz, and Linda & Frank Matz; sisters-in-law, Martha Penett and Sylvia MacFarlane; extended family and life long friends including his Rio Hondo High School Class.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jerry's name to the Community Church of Rio Hondo, 122 Mira Mar, Rio Hondo, Texas 78583, 956 748-2387.