Gary Lee Houck

Gary Lee Houck, age 81, of Royal Oak went to heaven on September 14, 2025. He is survived by his cherished wife for 61 years, Mary Joan, and his two beloved children, Thomas Houck (Cindy Gates) and Anita (David) Leonard. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren, Amanda, Anna, Matthew, and Ember; his treasured great-grandchildren, Andrew, Mason, Gia, and Elliana; his dear sister Kay (Mike) Allen; and his loving niece, Kimmy Allen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Watson and Gladys Houck, and his grandchildren Timothy and Heather. Gary was born in Alma, Michigan. He grew up in Grand Rapids and moved to Royal Oak at age 12. He graduated from Royal Oak Kimball High School where he met his wife, Mary Joan. He graduated from Ferris State University and obtained his master's degree from Oakland University. He worked for GM Truck and Coach for five years. He worked for 34 years as a teacher for Royal Oak Schools at Southeast Oakland Vocational Education Center as the automobile teacher. He also served as Vice President and President of Royal Oak Teachers Union for 12 years. Gary will be remembered for his faith in God, his love of family, his great listening skills, his tall storytelling, his love for reading, his love for history, his love of golf, and his passion for sports-especially University of Michigan, The Detroit Lions, and The Detroit Tigers. Gary's family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the Central Oaks Community Church, 2005 Rochester Road, Royal Oak. Additionally, a private burial will be held at Christian Memorial Gardens West Cemetery, Rochester Hills. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, to make donations to Central Oaks Community Church Missionaries, 2005 Rochester Road, Royal Oak. Please share a story of Gary or leave a tribute at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com.