Thomas Keith Houck

Thomas Keith Houck (47), formerly of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away on January 20, 2026, at his home in Kennewick, Washington. Tom was deeply loved, endlessly funny, and one of those people whose presence filled a room-even when he was trying very hard to keep a straight face.

Tom was born on January 24, 1978, in Spokane, Washington, to Butch and Kathy Houck. He grew up in St. Maries, where he attended school and built a childhood full of curiosity, creativity, and connection. As a kid, Tom loved train sets and building model cars, was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts-earning the rank of Eagle Scout his senior year of high school-and played the trumpet in the marching band. He graduated from St. Maries High School with the Class of 1996. The Flood of '96 left a lasting impression on him, and whenever he returned to St. Maries, he took time to remember and honor two of his classmates lost during that time-something that spoke quietly but powerfully to his heart.

After high school, Tom went to work for Paradise Amusements, traveling with the carnival-a job he would later call one of his absolute favorites. He made lifelong friends on the road, all of whom affectionately knew him as "Brother Tom." After several years, Tom transitioned to working for Bulldog Towing out of Spokane, joking proudly that he had "finally gotten a real job" and entered the world of adulting.

In 2002, Tom was blessed with his daughter, Sierra, a role he cherished deeply. His career with Action Recovery Services later transferred him to the Tri-Cities, where he built a life full of stories, adventures, and no shortage of entertainment.

In October of 2010, Tom met McKenzie Larson on social media. According to Tom, McKenzie stalked him relentlessly across the internet until he finally gave in-though everyone else knew it was love from the start. The two married on July 14, 2012, and made their home in Kennewick. Instantly Tom fell in love with her children Ashton and Alissa and lovingly raised them as his own. Tom spent 21 years working as a Repo Man, a job that gave him an endless supply of stories. He loved sharing his "interesting" encounters and the occasional "crazy" on Facebook, much to the amusement of friends and followers.

Tom was the undisputed King of the Grill and a phenomenal cook. Food was absolutely part of his love language, and feeding people was one of the many ways he showed how much he cared. From a young age, he also had a deep interest in ham radios-his childhood home was known for its many antennas, and over the years he built a "ham family" he truly adored.

Above all else, Tom was a family man. He devoted his life to loving and taking care of McKenzie. She often rode along with him, and the two turned long drives transporting repossessed vehicles back from Yakima-into cherished date nights. Their time together was everything to him.

When Tom wasn't working or spending time with family, you could find him gaming, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, or creating his famous TikToks. He had a dry, subtle humor-often delivered with a stoic face-leaving people guessing whether he was serious or joking (he usually wasn't serious). Anyone who met Tom loved him instantly… unless, of course, he was repossessing their vehicle.

Tom loved trips to the river lot in St. Maries, time with family, and celebrating Paul Bunyan Days every year. If he couldn't make it back, he faithfully watched the fireworks through friends' Facebook posts-fireworks were one of his simple joys.

Tom was a simple man with a huge heart, a sharp wit, and a gift for making people feel at ease. He was a member of Living Room Community Church in Kennewick and the SSRA (Spout Springs Repeater Association). His laughter, love, and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, McKenzie Houck, at their home in Kennewick, Washington; his children, Alissa Larson of College Place, Washington, Sierra Meier of Spokane, Washington, and Ashton Larson of Moses Lake, Washington. He is also survived by his parents, Butch (Pat) Houck of Spokane Valley, Washington, and Kathy (John) Stockwell of St. Maries, Idaho; his siblings, Starla Houck of St. Maries, Idaho, Crystal (James) Swisher of St. Maries, Idaho, Joe (Alyssa) Houck of Elk, Washington, and step-brother Matthew Schug of Boise, Idaho.

Tom was a proud uncle to Jason, Lynden, Aspen, Karris, Dalton, Ethan, Aiden, Kylee (Tori), Trent (Juniper), Jaemyn (Joe), and he is further survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends who became family along the way.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

A Memorial Service will be held on January 30, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Living Room Community Church in Kennewick, WA with a meal provided afterwards. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Eagles Lodge in St. Maries, ID on February 7, 2026, at 11:00 am with a gathering of family and friends to share a meal following.