Robert Howard Hout

Robert “Bob” Howard Hout, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away on February 14, 2026, in his home at the age of 94. He spent his life and last days surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 2, 1931, to Ernest (Ernie) Granville Hout and Afton Pitt in San Francisco, California. Bob grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and attended East High School where he met his sweetheart, Elaine Thorup. He served a mission to the Southern States for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following his graduation. Upon returning from his mission, he and Elaine dated and were married on June 9, 1954, in the Salt Lake Temple.

Bob attended the University of Utah and received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He took a job in Connecticut after graduation before beginning his service in the Air Force. He flew for the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1963 and then moved back to Utah to take a job at Hill Air Force Base as an engineer. He continued flying refueling tankers for the Utah Air National Guard until 1991, when he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He loved flying and talking about planes to all who would listen.

Bob and Elaine made their home in Centerville, Utah, where they have lived since 1964. They raised six children in that home. He is survived by his wife Elaine, his children LeAnn (Dave) McGrath, Wayne Hout, J'Lynne (Ben) Wolfley, Glenn (Carrie) Hout, Michelle (Jeff) Moffat, and Stacy (Nate) Ator, his 18 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his half-brother, Jay Sorenson.

Bob loved camping - especially with his family, friends and the Boy Scouts - and visited many places with their tent trailer over the years. He enjoyed playing with model trains with his children and watching large locomotive engines run. He was an expert mechanic and never passed up an opportunity to offer his help to his family, friends and neighbors. He loved riding his motorcycle with his wife and their group of friends known as the Centerville Recycles. He and Elaine enjoyed traveling and took many trips with their family and spent many years making fond memories on vacations throughout the US and the world. His storytelling and lighthearted jokes were loved by all. After being diagnosed with cancer, he still remained cheerful and continued to share his wit and humor with those around him, especially the caregivers who were with him daily.

He loved the gospel and served in many callings over the years including the Scouting program for young men and as a member of a bishopric. He and Elaine served two service missions at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City, where he worked with the fleet department, as well as a full-time mission to Chicago. He was also dedicated to helping others by serving Meals on Wheels for many years.

A viewing will be held on Thursday evening, February 19, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, with a viewing prior to the service from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in the Relief Society Room of the “Old White Church”, 160 South 300 East, Centerville, Utah.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live-stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.