Philip C Houbler

Philip C. Houbler, 94 years of age from Mount Vernon died on November 20, 2025, at his home with his wife Barbara by his side.
Mr. Houbler was born in Mount Vernon on February 17, 1931, the son of the late Dale and Ida (Loveridge) Houbler.
He is predeceased by his first wife Kay Klein Houbler, his sister Leatrice Houbler Kerin, cousins John, Denning, & Lonnie Loveridge, cousin Mary Ann Stull and niece Barbara Parnell Tier.
He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Barbara Jean Houbler, niece Penny Klein (Michael) Smith of Groveport, Pamela Klein (Jim) Hawkins of Texas, cousin Phil and Brenda Barga, niece Dr. Janet Klein Stetson of Massachusetts, and his wife's grandchildren Richard and Deana Nelson, great grandchildren Ricky and Natalie Nelson of Ocala Florida.
Mr. Houbler attended St. Vincent de Paul High School, Mount Vernon High School, Forest Lake Academy and Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.
After working as a sales representative for Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Mr. Houbler became the sales manager for Fairchild Ford in Mount Vernon, and later the owner of Houbler Oldsmobile - Cadillac dealership. (late 1950's -1970's)
As the youngest Cadillac dealer in the country, he became known as the "unofficial dealer" for players in the National Football League. He was known for "Where the Stars bought Their Cars". His customers included several high-profile NFL players.
Mr. Houbler also formed the original Babe Ruth League in Mount Vernon. He sold his dealership in the 70's, retired in his 40's and moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. His retirement, however, didn't last long and during his years in Florida, Mr. Houbler was the general manager for Land Rover, Porsche, BMW, and Rolls Royce dealerships in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Eventually, he relocated to Melbourne, Fl where he met Barbara, the love of his life. They married in 2004.
After living in Florida for many years, Mr. Houbler returned to Mount Vernon in 2014 where he became a member of the Old Homestead Club and board member of the Knox County Historical Society. During his time on the Board he fulfilled his lifelong dream, the recognition of famous sports figures, both men and woman of Knox County, by creating a "Knox County Hall of Fame" at the museum on Harcourt Rd. In 2020, he chose a group of local men to work on his committee and they selected the 1st honorees of "years past". There is a very impressive area in the Museum with ongoing committees each year adding more men and women to be honored. His "dream" was fulfilled.
As an avid animal lover, Phil supported many animal welfare causes. He did not want a formal service, so in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to his church, Storyside, 541 SR 97 W, Belleville, OH 44813, Rural Ohio Cats and Kittens, 19720 Arrington Rd, Utica OH 43080 or the Knox County Dog Shelter, 285 Columbus Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.
The family is observing private services. The Snyder Funeral Home - Lasater Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Houbler family.
To express a condolence to the family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com