JOHN K. HOUSTON


LOUISBURG - John Kidd Houston, 83, died on July 16, 2008 in Louisburg, N.C. He was born in Charlotte, N.C. on November 13, 1924, the son of the late Henry Hopkins Houston and Ella Mae Kidd Houston of Pageland, S.C.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janice Robinson Houston of Louisburg; son, John Kidd Houston, Jr. of Greensboro, N.C; daughters, Robin Houston Lucas of Louisburg, N.C., and Nancy Houston of Youngsville, N.C. He has five grandchildren; Jade and Erin Biggio of Raleigh, Brad and Parker Houston of Greensboro, and Kai Lucas of Louisburg. Mr. Houston is survived by two brothers; George Porter Houston of Winston-Salem, N.C. and William Edward Houston of Simpsonville, S.C.

John graduated from high school in Pageland, S.C., where he excelled at sports, and attended Brevard Junior College for a year before joining the Army Air Force in 1942 at the age of 18. He served his country during World War II as a B-25 pilot and won the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as other medals and honors for excellent airmanship in more than fifty combat missions in Europe.

Mr. Houston came from a military family with four brothers who all served during World War II. He also served in the Air Force Reserve for over 30 years, retiring from the Air Force Reserve in 1984 as a Lieutenant Colonel. John was quite proud of his military career and service to his country, saving many mementos from this time period.

Mr. Houston graduated from N.C. State College with a degree in Textiles in 1949 and over the years held numerous management positions with several textile companies, retiring from Fruit of the Loom as Plant Manager of their Franklinton Cotton Mills facility in 1990.

Since his retirement, Mr. Houston has done volunteer work for several community organizations as well as his church. He enjoyed the outdoors, working in the yard, and playing with his grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, July 19, from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. at Lancaster Funeral Services, 804 N. Bickett Boulevard, Louisburg. The funeral service will be held Sunday, July 20, at Louisburg United Methodist Church at 2:00 P.M. with the Rev. Earl Dulaney officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Louisburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 667, Louisburg, N.C. 27549 or to Community Home Care and Hospice, 928 North Main Street, Louisburg N.C. 27549.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. Houston’s service to his country. Online condolences may be made to www.lancasterfcs.com.

Paid Obituary