Benny Houston

1931 - 2023

LIMA -- Benny Rease Houston, 91, of Lima, passed away on May 3,2023 at 10:19am at St. Ritas Medical Center. He was boron in Town Creek, Alabama to parents Robert James Houston Sr., and Janie (Brown) Houston. Both parents have preceded him in death.

He was a beloved father who would do anything for his family and friends. His family meant the world to him and that was always on display. Benny was a Marine who loved his country and served while stationed at Camp Pendleton in California with the 1st Marine Division, which is the oldest, largest and most decorated Division in the Marine Corps, where he served in the Korean War. Benny also served in the Air Force and Army with a career spanning more than 30 years before retiring from the Army Reserve in Lima, Ohio. Benny was involved with the Free and Accepted Masons throughout his life. He worked for, and was retired from Phillips Magnavox in Ottawa Ohio after 32 years. Benny was the father of 6 boys; Anthony R. (Monica) Houston of Dallas, TX., Dana L. (Alicia) Houston of Lima, Glenn M (Ereen) Upthegrove of Hampton, VA., Eric L. (Carly) Houston of Lima, Lamar K. (Sharon) Houston of Lima, and Daughter-in-law Christina, and his deceased son; Gary A. Houston, with whom he now rejoices in the clouds of Heaven. 19 Grandchildren; Madison Houston, Braelin Houston, Tanea (Daryl) Gilcrease-Upshaw, Veronica Gilcrease, and Ronnie Gilcrease Jr., Eric L. Houston, Jerod Houston, Bryanna Houston, Justin Houston, Amaya Houston, Landon Houston, Cleah Houston, Alizah Simpson, MJ Simpson, Gary A. Houston Jr., Marquel (Latosha) Houston, Danajia Houston, Anton Houston, and many great-grandchildren as well. With his love so abundant, there is one other man, Ronnie (Cheryl) Gilcrease, that he also considered as a son to him. Benny was an avid fisherman, and he loved watching his shows; Gunsmoke, In the Heat of the Night, and the Andy Griffith Show, and John Wayne Movies, and many other westerns and movies and of course, Sanford and Son, often doing his best Fred Sanford impression to make us all laugh. Mostly, he loved spending time with his family, babysitting and helping to raise his many grandkids any time he was called upon. He was a great man and will be missed by all those who were a part of his life in long life of almost 92 years. In addition to Gary, he was preceded in death by; Brother; Robert James Houston Jr., Sisters; Annie Lucille Houston-Johnson, Rose Laverne Houston, and Helen Houston-Brown. Lastly, we all just want to say "Well don Dad, Well Done Mr. Houston, and, Well done Grandpa!

Friends may call at Hanneman-Siferd Funeral Home, 506 N. Cable Rd. Lima OH 45805 on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9am-10:30am, with a Service to begin at 10:30 am, officiated by Rickey L. Houston, Associate Minister of First

Baptist Church of Progress Village Florida. Burial will follow with Military Honors by the Marine Corps, and VFW 1275 Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Hanneman- Siferd Funeral Home to help defray expenses. Hanneman-Siferd is honored to lay this Veteran to rest. To express online condolences please go to www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.