Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
1950 - 2020
1950 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
1950
2020
Donald Edward Houghtaling died peacefully at home on May 2, 2020, in his apartment in Redlands, California, with his wife Esther and daughter Heather by his side. He was 69.
Don was born on November 5, 1950, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to parents Richard Herbert Houghtaling and Marion Grace McQuoid. He spent most of his early years growing up in Rochester, New York, and he attended and graduated from John Marshall High School. After high school, he worked for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, after which he enlisted in the Air Force around 1970, during the Viet Nam War. He was stationed at Udorn AFB in Thailand and was a PJ in Pararescue, in the 40thA.R.R.S. Following that, he was honorably discharged, went on to Hahn AFB in Germany, and was stationed there from approximately 1973-1977 in Aircraft Maintenance, followed by a short time in the USAF Reserves at Williams AFB in Arizona. By the time he was again honorably discharged effective 10/26/79, he had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-4).
In November 1980, Don married Kathryn Robson, and they settled in San Bernardino County, in the Redlands/San Bernardino area. Don soon got a job as an historical researcher through a government contractor at Combat Camera at Norton AFB. During this time, in 1984, his one daughter Heather Michelle was born. She was the light of his life. There wasn’t anything Don wouldn’t do for his family.
While an historical researcher, he was in charge of searching out archived military footage for shows such as Wings on Discovery, JAG, Air Force Now film series, the music video for Already There by Lonestar, and a POW documentary, and for movies such The Hunt for Red October and We Were Soldiers. He later went on to work at March AFB as well. Altogether he was an historical researcher at Norton and March for over 26 years.
In May 2006, Heather was married to David Worsham, Jr. Don was so proud and happy. Then hard times came around 2009 when he and Kathryn divorced and he was laid off from his job, as new management took over the contracting company and they downsized. After Don was laid off, he came to God and began praying more, going to church, and attending a Christian divorce support group. Soon, much to his joy, his first granddaughter Kaylee Lynn was born on April 16th, and then he met Esther Mellis at a small group Bible study in Redlands in September of that same year. Through Esther’s influence, he drew still closer to God. Don and Esther dated for just over a year. In May 2011, Don took a job with the National Archives and Records Administration as an Archives Specialist in the Presidential Materials Division. Two months later, in July 2011, Esther joined Don back in Washington, D.C., and they married on July 30th.
Between 2011 and 2016, Don and Esther enjoyed visiting museums and parks and other historical sites on the east coast such as Manassas, Gettysburg, and Antietam. Don loved trips like these because he had such a love for history and photography. Also in 2014, much to his added joy, Heather gave birth to Charlotte Rose, his second granddaughter.
Don was first diagnosed with COPD in 2013 when he got pneumonia and was hospitalized for several days. He managed to go back to work and continue working up until September 2016 when he was forced to medically retire due to the severity of his progressing condition. Esther became his primary caregiver. He officially retired on July 31, 2017. He declined a bit further in early 2018 till Esther decided to quit her tutoring work and become his caregiver full time. God was then so gracious in helping Don and Esther to make the move from DC back to California in September 2018, where they could both be near family. Their time in CA was going quite well until Don had a series of hospital stays towards the end of 2019, the last one being a week’s stay at Redlands Community Hospital in December for pneumonia with sepsis, from which he never quite fully recovered. He got to see his family on a weekend in January and again on May 1st. He is survived by his wife Esther, his daughter Heather Worsham and son-in-law David, granddaughters Kaylee and Charlotte, and his nephews Gary Houghtaling and Eric Houghtaling.
We know that many of Donald's friends would like to attend his service on Tuesday and we wish you could, too. But, due to this difficult time in out society right now, it makes it impossible for larger groups to be together. For this reason, we have chosen to have a viewing time after the private service for friends and family to spend some time together over a period of 4 hours. This will enable us all to keep a safe distance. We would love to see you during the visitation time.
Cherry Nienhuis
May 19, 2020
Im sure we will meet again.
You were loved and not forgotten by me, Cherry your step daughter while married to my mother, Kathy.
I know how happy you must be right now reading and seeing how much you were loved. You must be rejoicing with nothing but splendor reading all these heartfelt messages . So Awesome e!
A very special thank you that words cant express Don. I remember so many and I mean many times you came to my rescue when I broke up with a boyfriend or was in need of help and support. I could ALWAYS count on you. What a quality to have. I can clearly see that maroon van with the funky shag carpet lined out you thought was the cats meow! In its day, it sort of was! Youd pull up in the van and saved me from whatever current teenage drama that was happening. You were always there! So, the van to me was an eye soar, but every time you picked me up in it, you always had a smile on you face and you were always willing to be there for me! I sincerely appreciate that quality in you Don and know your reading this now stoked and happy! Your jokes were always with an intent to make us laugh! Another nice quality you have, Ill say, (not had) your here in spirit.
Your spirit lives on in your Beloved Daughter Heather, Kaylee & Charlotte. You are with them and with me. Your legacy lives on Don Houghtaling. Thank you for the difference you made. See you soon, Love, Cherry
Thanksgiving 2012 with my parents
Kimberly Ward
May 14, 2020
Don was a dear friend to me and my family. My husband and I first met Don and Esther shortly after they moved into the same apartment complex in the DC area. Don and I commuted into work at the same time each morning and began chatting on the metro and shuttle bus. As we got to know each other better, we met each other's spouse and all started hanging out. We grew very close over the years, as we both didn't have family in the area. I will always fondly remember our trip to Shenandoah, going to the mall, movies, out to eat, happy hours, holiday dinners, our Superbowl parties, going out on New Year's Eve, and just hanging out around the apartment. Don and Esther became family. We are grateful that the Lord brought them into our lives. While we are deeply saddened to lose Don on this earth, we know that he is in the presence of his Lord and Savior. Rest in peace friend, we love you.
Tish Sanders
May 13, 2020
I'll miss you sword Guy!
Kathryn Robson rowland
May 12, 2020
So sorry I didnt say good bye. We had many good years together and a wonderful daughter full of wisdom and a joy for life and now your time has come, maybe someday we will meet again. Your life was valuable to all especially those who loved you, including myself. Ester also loved you very much and is heartbroken also That you had to leave so soon.she brought you much love deep and everlasting .god speed to you into his arms love,, Kathy
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Rick Hubert
May 12, 2020
I didn't really know Don, but his daughter Heather has worked for me for almost two years. I really believe that god sent her to work for me because he knew she would need someone who could understand what she is having to deal with in the loss of her father. Shortly before she came to work for me I too lost my dad. They had so many similarities. Both military men, Both Men of God and both suffered from the same debilitating disease. As a christian man myself I know that they both are no longer suffering from the day to day pain that they were in and are in perfect bodies walking the golden streets of heaven. We will all meet again someday but knowing the suffering is over for them is rewarding to me. Heather and I will never forget the values that our fathers instilled in our hearts and together we talk about them and maybe even have a toast to them. Heaven can wait for us but for now, there are two great soldiers fighting on heavens side. Until we meet again.
Jackie Peebles
May 12, 2020
Don you always had a smile on your face when I saw you in the mountains. So proud of your family and just loved doing what you liked. You will be missed and I am grateful that I and my family had the pleasure of meeting you. You are in the arms of your Lord and we will see you again.
Kylee Foley
May 12, 2020
You will forever be missed Don love from your second daughter. I will forever thinking of the memories that Heather and I have together with you Growing up together love you always. And thinking of you often up in heaven love you lots tell we meet again love you . Kylee Foley
David Washington
May 11, 2020
So sorry for your loss. He sounds like an amazing man!!!
Connie Johnson
May 11, 2020
Don I will miss all of our conversations we had at work. You will live in my fond memories of you.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more