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BORN
1959
DIED
2015
Richard Houser Obituary
Richard Neal Houser, Jr., 56, ascended to life's mountaintop and beyond on June 25, 2015, following a yearlong battle with leukemia.
He was born April 28, 1959, in St. Louis, Missouri, to proud parents Richard and Catherine Jane (Lister) Houser. He and his sisters - Susan, Cynthia, Nancy and Carol - were raised in Imperial, Missouri, where they spent a happy childhood among cousins and extended family. After moving to San Antonio, Texas, Richard graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and spent his summers as a teenager indulging his wanderlust hiking around Colorado.
For several years, Richard and his cousin, Brian, were musicians in the Cheyenne Mountain Band; but his love for travel and a desire to serve his country compelled him to join the United States Navy. His naval career however, was interrupted by a training accident that left him legally blind. Undaunted, he eventually moved to Durango, Colorado, where he raised a family and became an avid outdoorsman, artist, and writer. Later, he restored and lived on a sailboat in La Paz, Mexico, and eventually settled in Sumner, Washington, with his wife, Elizabeth.
Instead of being defeated by his visual impairment, Richard tenaciously overcame the daily challenges and led a life full of adventure. Some of his favorite experiences included kayaking on Lake Powell and cycling throughout the Southwest. He was a skilled martial artist, mountain climber, musician, woodcarver, painter, published poet, and world traveler. But he most endeared himself to us with his infectious laugh and warm heart; he was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth, of Sumner, WA; parents, Richard and Jane Houser of San Antonio, TX; daughter Kelsey Raring and husband Derek of Aztec, NM; sisters, Susan Houser of Mineral, VA, Nancy York and husband William of Staples, TX, Cynthia Houser and husband James Camp of Killeen, TX, and Carol Milat and husband Mark of Auburn, WA; grandsons Roman and Jonathan Cole, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in San Antonio, TX, at 11:30 AM on Friday, July 10, 2015, followed by a burial with full military honors at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2 PM. Should friends and loved ones desire, contributions may be made to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society in lieu of flowers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Houser
Margaret Alexander
July 10, 2015
Thinking of the Alexander-Houser family...praying God's peace will surround this day. I love you so much, Beth!
Claire Covin
July 9, 2015
Our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to the Houser family during this time of loss. May God comfort you and keep you in His care today and in the days and times ahead. God Bless you all. With love, Claire Covin and family.
Joy Ray
July 8, 2015
Praying for a safe trip to Texas for all of you. Beth, you were so blessed to have found Richard. What a wonderful couple who made friends everywhere. Carry Richard's love forward and live as fully as he did. We love you. Joy and Carroll
Ellen and Gordon Holt
July 8, 2015
Richard was our beloved neighbor but more then that our beloved friend. He was such a talented man--a true Renaissance Man. We cherish our many memories of Richard and our sharing on the porch. Liz, no one could have taken better care of Richard through all these days. Find comfort and peace in that. Richard lives on in our hearts and we will truly miss him.
Deacon Larry Brisiel, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church
July 8, 2015
On behalf of our Pastor, Msgr. Kevin Ryan and St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, we express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Richard during this difficult time. It is our prayer that he will rest in peace and experience the eternal glory of God's Kingdom.
Mariam Moses
July 8, 2015
Mr.and Mrs.Houser, and the entire Houser family please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Richard. May GOD shower you with his love and comfort you during this difficult time of loss. Please know you are in my prayers. With love, Mariam Moses
July 7, 2015
We still can't believe it. Our dear, dear friend - long time companion - outdoorsman, composer, kayaker, and all around buddy gone? No way. Even though we were by his side when he left us in Seattle. He is gone? Never. Never. He is with me now. I can feel him. As we spent time, he is here. Memories. We will always love you Richard. Memories.
Love you Elizabeth and see you soon.
Barney and Phyllis in La Paz
Allan and Merry Avery
July 7, 2015
To all Richard's family and friends everywhere, and to Elizabeth and your family: During the precious few years together here, He and Liz were truly Beloved and and Admired Throughout our neighborhood, and shall Forever Be. Elizabeth, we are "Next Door" anytime 24/7/forever, for Anything we can do.
All of us in the Major Crimes Unit
July 7, 2015
Liz,
We are thinking of you and your family at the time of sadness. Wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain. May you find peace and love in the memories that you cherish.
Cindy Day
July 7, 2015
I went to School with Richard. I remember his infectious smile and his many kindnesses. I am sorry to hear of his passing. May you all find comfort and peace in knowing that he lived a beautiful life and is now in a place where he is well and is in no pain. God bless you all.
George & Shar Arsanto
July 6, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. Richard was a delight to have as a neighbor for last several years.
July 6, 2015
I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your loved one.May loving words comfort your family at this time of sorrow. (Isaiah 57:15)
Denise & Dwight Brown
July 6, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the Houser family during this difficult time. I have been friends with and worked with Jane for over 20 years and know how very much she loves her family and how hard this will be. May God give you peace and comfort. Denise & Dwight Brown
Karen and Ray Cagle
July 6, 2015
Prayers for Elizabeth and family. For the relatively short time I knew Richard, I know he was an amazing man with great character and courage, and his imprint on the lives of those who knew him will not be soon forgotten.
Michael Looman
July 6, 2015
Richard was a special, special person; honored to call him my closest friend and to have him as best man at my and Helen's wedding. I was blessed to have him in my life and will miss him very much, as I know most of his other friends will. Elizabeth, your loss is also the world's loss. Our hearts go out to you.
Nancy Hartfiel
July 6, 2015
Elizabeth, you are in my thoughts and prayer. Richard sounds like a remarkable man. I hope you can find peace and know he has. God bless you.
John & Margaret Moore
July 6, 2015
Elizabeth, your Aunt Margaret and I loved Richard. He has always been more than special to us. You and his Family are in our thoughts and prayers!!
Audrey and Dale Grim
July 6, 2015
Richard was a wonderful neighbor for five years and a great friend. He was our neighborhood smiling handyman. We enjoyed his beautiful art work and visiting on porch for hours. He is mist by all in our hearts and in our neighborhood . Love Audrey and Dale
Jason Engler
July 6, 2015
My thoughts are with you Elizabeth!
"They are not dead who live in hearts they leave behind. In those whose lives theirs touched they live life still. They shall live through the ages - eternal life - and shall grow each day more beautiful as time declares their good, forgets the rest, and proves their immortality."
Cathleen Schlesinger
July 6, 2015
Grief is not a sign of weakness nor a lack of faith...It is the price of Love. Celebrate a life well lived and well loved.
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