Raymond Houston

Raymond Michael Houston was born December 5, 1908, to James J. and Anna (O'Connell) Houston near Dow City, Iowa. He attended country school there as well. Ray's father died when he was 12 so he helped his mother operate the family farm. Ray married Helen Hawn on October 20, 1939, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Dunlap. The couple farmed near Dow City until 1943, and then they purchased their farm east of Woodbine. Ray continued living on this farm until May 4, 2008, when he became a resident of Rose Vista Nursing Home.

Ray was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He loved farming, cattle and working on the farm. He also enjoyed playing solitaire and reading the paper so he could keep up on current events and continue to learn.

Ray died Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at Rose Vista Nursing Home in Woodbine, Iowa at the age of 100 years, seven months, and 16 days.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Houston on May 23, 1982; daughter, Cathy Gates in 1990; eight siblings, James, John, and Leonard Houston, Helen Carmichael, Ruth Hallstrom, Margaret Dording, Mary Dombeck and Katherine Springer. He is survived by his two sons, Jim and his wife Kathi Houston and John Houston all of Woodbine, Iowa; three grandchildren, Andy Houston of Omaha, Nebraska, Amy Gates Fischbach of Fairfield, Connecticut, Dan Gates of Manhattan, New York; five great grandchildren; son-in-law, Fred Gates of Littleton, Colorado; special friend, Claire Walwer of Crete, Illinois; five nephews and nieces, Andy Houston of Houston, Texas, Jim Dording of Danvers, Massachusetts, Tom Dombeck of Vancouver, Washington, Pat and David Mason both of Columbia, South Carolina, Mike Braddy of Tabernash, Colorado, Pat Braddy of Greeley, Colorado; Liza Mason of Denver, Colorado, Linda Mason of Portland, Oregon; and many other relatives and friends.