Patrick Houston

1941 - 2022

Patrick Houston
February 28, 1941 - June 27, 2022
Ocean Springs, Mississippi - Patrick Harvey Houston, known to most as Pat and to his family as Papa passed peacefully in his sleep due to natural causes and complications of Parkinson's Disease. Pat was born in Jackson, Mississippi February 28, 1941. He is preceded in death by his parents, Zula and Verner Houston, his brother, Jerry Houston, and his beloved Mother-in-law, Hazel Williams. He is survived by his adoring wife of 36 years, Barbara Williams Houston, his brothers, Tommy (Isabelle) and Doyle Houston, his children, Tabitha Houston, Mitch (Cindy) Skelton, Misty Hammett, his stepchildren, Theresa (Wayne) Jones, Dale Hassell, Chip (Lafaye) Hassell, his grandchildren, Micheal Kuhny, Noah, Talon, Daniel, Darlene, Cody, Brittany, Michael Jones, numerous great-grandchildren, and sister/brother-in-law, Sue and Mark Metzger. He was the adopted grandfather to every child at Poplar Head United Methodist Church over the last thirty years and a camping companion to many close relatives and friends.
Pat's life defined servanthood. He began serving in the US Air Force when he was 16 years old, too anxious to wait until he was of legal age. He served as a Meridian Fire Fighter, he joined the Mississippi Air National Guard and retired as the head recruiter for the state as Senior Master Sargent. After retirement, he was a sheriff's deputy in Car 54 for Harrison County and as elusive as his namesake's sitcom character. He was a member of the Perkinston J. L. Power 416 Masonic Lodge, South Mississippi Methodist Cursillo, Palmer Creek Methodist Campground, and Poplar Head United Methodist Church where his servanthood took on a whole new meaning. He infamously drove the church van for years introducing children to the love of Christ and the family of the Church. He was on every mission trip varying in work scope from hurricane and tornado recovery to cooking for countless youth group retreats and mission trips. As the most humble of servants, Pat was usually found doing the most menial of tasks and he was always the first person to greet new guests. Seeking to serve beyond his life, he donated his body to the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
To counteract his humility, he was also struck with vanity, due to his natural charisma, ease with everyone, and exhibitionist nature. His sense of humor was intense and personal, often very loud (wild animal noises come to mind) and perfectly timed belying his quiet composure. He had incredible rhythm, natural dance moves, and could compose a song at the drop of a blues beat. His personality was intoxicating. He was greatly loved by everyone who knew him and will be missed until we see him again.
Toward the end of his life, we were assisted with love and care by Charlotte Tanksley and the many hospice caregivers for which we are eternally grateful.
There will be a Celebration of Pat's Life at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 2nd at Poplar Head United Methodist Church, 13200 Poplar Head Road, Saucier, Mississippi 39574. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Poplar Head UMC kitchen renovation fund.