Howard L. Houston Jr.

Howard L. “Pinky” Houston, 97, of Carlisle, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Born June 23, 1928 in Butler, PA, he was the son of the late Howard L., Sr. and Lucille (Reynolds) Houston.

Pinky was employed by Peoples Telephone right out of high school, working in the Engineering Department.

Pinky proudly served his country during the Korean War in the US Army from 1955 to 1957.

Following his military service, he returned to work at the phone company, working his way up until he finally retired as Vice President of Revenues & External Affairs in 1990 after 43 years of service.

He was a member of the Shriners Hospital as well as the Butler Masonic Temple. He and his family were long-time members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Butler until their relocation to Carlisle in 1977.

Pinky was an avid outdoorsman who loved his time at his hunting cabin in Tionesta and enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada.

He was passionate about antiques and could often be found at auctions and flea markets.

Most of all, Howard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend and will be remembered as a true family man.

Surviving is his wife, Ceola J. (Engle) Houston, whom he married April 11, 1953; his daughter, Joyce Lerew; his son, David Houston (Laurie), all of Carlisle; his grandchildren: Howard (Elycia) Houston, Christina (Carmen) Shullo, Joshua (Morgan) Houston, Kurea Houston, Courtney (Mike) Lungo, Brooke Meyers, Haley (Sean) Stark, Ethan Houston; 11 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; his sister, Thelma Baldauf, of Butler as well as his daughter-in-law, Terri Houston.

Pinky was preceded in death by his parents, his sons, Howard G. Houston and Robert A. Houston, his sisters, Catherin Greenberg and Shirley McKinney as well as numerous brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.

Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral service 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, where the family will greet guests after 12 Noon. Interment will follow the service in Westminster Cemetery, Carlisle.