Ernest Alfred Houghton Jr.

Ernest Alfred Houghton Jr. Delta Township Age 85, passed away at home March 30, 2009. He was born in Buffalo, New York, the third child of Ernest Alfred Houghton Sr. and Gertrude Houghton. The family of four boys and two girls moved to South Bend, Indiana in the mid-1930s, he graduated from Central High School in 1943. He served as a medical aid man in the 11th Armored Division, part of General Patton's Third Army. He served at the battle of the Bulge and other European campaigns. He graduated from Notre Dame in January 1950 with a B.S. degree in chemical engineering. Ernie married Eleanor Elizabeth Pecze in 1949 and moved to Michigan where he worked for General Motors Oldsmobile Division for 32 years. Ernie is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Elizabeth Corwin; brother in-law, Eugene Marnocha; and granddaughter Norah Grace O'Hare. Ernie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eleanor Houghton and his nine children and their spouses: Jeanette Makries (James), Portland, MI, Pamela DeVoe (Robert), Albuquerque, NM, Carol MacAllister (Dunwel), Jackson, TN, Ernest Houghton (Kathleen), Gladstone, MI, Maureen Houghton, Williamston, MI, Anne Marie Cosgrove (Michael), Enumclaw, WA, Patricia Jacquart (John), Howell, MI, Mary O'Hare (Dennis), Milan, MI, Michael Houghton (Susan), Newark DE; and fourteen grandchildren, Jeffrey Makries (Victoria), Arthur James Makries (Laurel), Christina DeVoe, Meghan DeVoe, Patrick MacAllister, Matthew Hein, Joseph Hein, Britney Cosgrove, Adam Cosgrove, Brandon Cosgrove, Nicole Jacquart, Liam O'Hare, Laura Houghton and Audrey Houghton. He is also survived by three brothers, James Houghton (Margaret), South Bend, IN, Robert Houghton (Betty), Hemet, CA, Harold Houghton (Ethelreda), South Bend, IN; one sister, Jane Marnocha, South Bend, IN; and one brother-in-law, Al Corwin, Las Vegas, NV. Ernie had endless curiosity and appreciation for the world around him, which was contagious. His classic English humor, intelligence and gentle personality will be sorely missed by all who love him. Visitation will be Thursday, April 2, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Home, Delta Chapel, 6020W. Saginaw. The Funeral Mass will be held Friday, April 3, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in Grand Ledge. Interment will be in Highland Cemetery in South Bend, IN. Condolences can be made at www.palmerbush.com.