DAVID LEE HOUK

1961 - 2016

David Lee Houk, 55, of Springfield, Mo., passed away Saturday, December 17, 2016, at his home. David was a hard-working, loving; husband, father, papa, son and brother. He loved to bowl, fish, hunt, go on float trips and shoot fireworks, although, he most of all enjoyed having a good time with family and friends around the fire. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and loved NASCAR racing. He was a regional manager with Truck Movers, and loved his work family as his own. The past four years David fought a valiant fight against cancer, never losing his fighting spirit and positive attitude. David will be most remembered for his boisterous laugh and big bear hugs. David is survived by his wife, Michelle Houk of Springfield; parents, Roy and Sharlene Houk of Stockton; sister, Debbie Houk (Becky Pittman) of Ottawa, Kan.; brother, Don Houk (Jami) of Lee's Summit; six children, Melissa Beard (Scott) of Oak Grove, Mo., Janis Czirr (Mark) of Kansas City, Kan., Katelyn McClain (Preston) of Jefferson City, Mo., Rachel Houk (Joseph Douglas) of Seligman, Mo., Russel Houk (Kera) of Marshall, Mo., Melissa Hembree (Danny) of Sartell, Minn.; 12 grandchildren, Haven Jarman (12), Riley Beard (10), Carlos Echaves (9), Lillian Czirr (9), Jackson Douglas (8), Makenzie Houk (6), Carly Beard (6), Jackson Czirr (5), Noah Hembree (5), Adrianne Houk (5), Karsyn McClain (4), Carter Beard (3); nephews, Drew Houk (17), Chase Houk (17), Cole Houk (14); niece, Presli Houk (9). David was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Walter and Beulah Houk; maternal grandparents, William and Lula Carter; grandson, Caleb McClain (2000- 2016) Service will be held 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Butler Funeral Home, Bolivar, Mo., with visitation starting at 12 noon to service time at 2:30 p.m. Burial will follow in the Alder Cemetery, Stockton, Mo. In lieu of flowers and greenery the family would like donations to be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research in honor of David.