Thomas Andrew Houpt

Thomas Andrew Houpt, a family man, successful businessman, and talented teacher, died of natural causes on April 25, 2012 in Topeka, Kansas just short of his 86th birthday. The eldest of six children, Tom was born May 25, 1926 in Atchison, Kansas to Thomas M. Houpt and Leola M. Lindsey. The family briefly moved to Madison, Wisconsin during the Great Depression, then returned to Kansas. After graduating from Ozawkie Rural High School, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served honorably in the Army Air Corp during WWII, completing a tour in Italy, during which his main duty was Radio Operator in a B-25 aircraft. He completed his military service in the National Guard. On April 21, 1947, Tom married Audrey Faye Dressendofer at the Oakland Christian Church in Topeka. Tom worked for Western Electric, Hubbell s, Electric City and Montgomery Ward before opening All City Appliance, an electronics and white goods repair business located in Topeka, in 1961. He and Audrey managed the store for many years and had numerous loyal customers. While running the business, Tom supervised the systems maintenance crew and the janitorial staff at the Kaw Area Vocational Technical School, where he also taught various vocational skills courses. He derived particular satisfaction from helping special needs students gain skills that allowed them to work and achieve some degree of independence. After finishing at the vo-tech school, Tom would work with his employees in the business. There was hardly a thing made that he could not fix. Tom had many hobbies including camping, hunting, fishing, water-skiing, gardening, woodworking and rock polishing; and he had a special love for dogs. Tom and Audrey spent many memorable years living in the country where they grew a large garden, raised poultry and rabbits, and entertained grandchildren. Thomas Andrew Houpt is revered and remembered by family and friends as a man of intelligence, energy, good humor, kindness, compassion and dedication to family. Although he had heart bypass surgery and three back surgeries, Tom lived a full and productive life, continuing to be active to an advanced age. He is survived by his beloved wife, Audrey; his adoring children, Connie Bruner, Marlin Houpt and Larry Houpt; three younger siblings, Gerald Houpt, Dorothy Sheiffelbein and Helen Livingston; 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Daryl Clyde and Arthur Houpt. A private memorial service will be held. Thomas A. Houpt