Raymond Houston

Raymond Houston, 88, of Lafayette and formerly of Monon and rural Francesville, died Tuesday, November 29, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Lafayette.

He was born at Francesville on January 6, 1917, to Jasper and Nora (Helmick) Houston.

He married Louise Odom at Rensselaer on January 6, 1936. She died October 4, 1998.

He had lived in Rosewalk Village, Lafayette for the past one and one-half years.

He was a retired farmer and former manager and salesman for J. I. Case Co., Rensselaer and retired from the John Deere Co., Monon.

He was a former Director and Chairman of the Board of Peoples State Bank at Francesville. He retired from the board in 2000 after serving for 37 years.

He played a role in organizing a food tent at the Farm Progress Show that was held in Wolcott in 1982.

He was appointed to the Monon Town and Township Public Library Board in 1989 and was a former President of the Board.

He was a member of the Monon United Methodist Church, Medaryville Masonic Lodge No. 765 F&AM and South Bend Scottish Rite.

He was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Joseph Kernan in September 2004.

Survivors include daughters Pat (Ralph) Wendt, Mary Ann (Larry) Halsema and Linda Runk, all of Lafayette, and Brenda Krug, Monon; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Eva June Williams and Viola Swaim, both of Rensselaer.

Eleven brothers and sisters are deceased.

Funeral services were Monday at Querry-Ulbricht Funeral home with Rev. Mathew Pickut officiating.

Burial was in Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.