|
1936 - 2013
 Merlin L Houghton, age 77, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2013 at Carson City Hospital. He was born on March 10, 1936 in Sidney Township, Michigan to Elmer and Lillian Houghton.
Merlin grew up in Sheridan, Michigan. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1954. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force and served his country for 21 years. He retired in August of 1975, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. After his retirement, he joined the Michigan Department of Corrections in 1976. While working at the Department of Corrections he completed his course work and obtained an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He retired after 24 years of service, achieving the rank of Captain.
Merlin married Josephine Queenie Hutson, the love of his life, of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, England on October 26, 1957. They were married for 47 years until her passing in March of 2005.
Merlin enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, watching the Detroit Lions and Tigers, feeding and watching the birds and attending the local jamboree music.
Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Lillian Houghton, and his twin sister, Marlene Bracey.
Merlin is survived by his sister, Elaine Johnson, his children, Dawn (Rickey) Griffith of Rhome, Texas, Dean (Cathy) Houghton of Humble, Texas, Russell (Cheryl) Houghton of Blanchard, Michigan, Dwayne (Dawn) Houghton of Belmont, Michigan, Teresa (Jason) Schultz of Ontonagon, Michigan, Doug (Dawn) Houghton of Stanton, Michigan, and Michelle (Chris) Parsons of Dansville, Michigan. He is also survived by twenty-nine grandchildren and eleven-great grandchildren, and his special friend, Judi Wilson.
Visitation with family will be Tuesday evening from 5 until 8 PM at the Hurst Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Hurst Funeral Home, 1801 West Washington Street, Greenville, Michigan at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 20, 2013. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Lester J. Sitts VFW Post 5065 in Sheridan MI.
|
|
There are currently 18 condolences.
Larry Warner
Tuesday March 19, 2013 at
8:35 PM
|
Teresa, I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a good and kind man and I know that you and your family will miss him greatly. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this time of loss. May God bless you and give you strength and comfort to heal your hearts. Sincerely, Larry
|
|
Michelle (Haney) McDonald
Tuesday March 19, 2013 at
2:30 PM
|
Just wanted to let all of you, including Judi, know how sorry I am for the loss of your Dad. Your parents were great neighbors for a number of years. Take Care.
Michelle
|
|
RON & SHIRLEY DUKES
Tuesday March 19, 2013 at
1:15 PM
|
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST. WE ARE PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU. GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU. RON & SHIRLEY DUKES
|
|
Janet Wellman
Tuesday March 19, 2013 at
10:01 AM
|
Judi,
So sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the families. Take care, Jan and Roy
|
|
Pam Lange
Tuesday March 19, 2013 at
7:06 AM
|
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of need.I personally know Dawn(from work) and Doug and I just wanted to tell you both that I am so sorry for your loss.Again I am So sorry and my Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
|
|
Boris and Philimine Curtis
Monday March 18, 2013 at
4:10 PM
|
We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of Merle. Such a wonderful man. I worked with him for many years in the Department of Corrections. Russ, you and your family are in our prayers. Stay strong.
|
|
Bob Hodges
Monday March 18, 2013 at
3:02 PM
|
Merlin and I were not only first cousins but friends as well. Living on the East Coast I was only able to visit Merlin once a year, but we developed,over the last 20 years, a friendship that was enduring. I admired and respected Merlin. He will be greatly missed. My wife Carol & I sincerely hope all his survivors will receive devine blessings and help to get through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Elaine, Dawn, Dean, Russell, Dwayne, Terresa, Doug, Michelle and their families, as well as Judi Wilson.
|
|
Dwayne and Dawn
Monday March 18, 2013 at
2:24 PM
|
So sorry to hear about the loss of your dear father, especially in such an unexpected way. I hope time will help to heal your sorrow. Laurel and Mike Jacoby
|
|
Peg Myaard
Monday March 18, 2013 at
12:51 PM
|
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You will be in our thoughts and prayers
|
|
Valerie Binge
Monday March 18, 2013 at
11:25 AM
|
Dear Judi, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Merlin's passing. It was a shock to Jill and I. We are sending many prayers and hugs your way.
Merlin will be greatly missed.
Take Care
Valerie and Jill
|
|
Fay Brand and Jack Jolls
Monday March 18, 2013 at
10:25 AM
|
We are so sorry to hear of Merlin's passing.Our hearts and prayers are with all of you.
|
|
O'Brien & Bails Court Reporting
Monday March 18, 2013 at
10:20 AM
|
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
|
|
Helen Bracey and Susan Stone
Sunday March 17, 2013 at
11:51 PM
|
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
|
|
Doug Jones
Sunday March 17, 2013 at
11:46 PM
|
So Sorry for your loss. Judy Wilson is my cousin and is a special lady and Prayers are sent to both families.
|
|
Connie and Dan Kelsey
Sunday March 17, 2013 at
10:35 PM
|
Merlin will be greatly missed. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
|
|
Rick Bracey and Family
Sunday March 17, 2013 at
7:03 PM
|
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts go out to you.
|
|
Pamela Drew
Sunday March 17, 2013 at
5:29 AM
|
I am so sorry to hear of Merle's passing. I worked with him at Carson City for years. My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May the Lord watch over all of you.
|
|
Glen, Buffy & Peyton Marks
Saturday March 16, 2013 at
9:15 PM
|
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
|
|
|