December 10, 1935 – May 25, 2018
William (Bill) Ralph Houghton, 82, passed away on May 25th, 2018, at Autumn Leaves Assisted Living Memory Care Home in San Antonio, Texas surrounded by the love of his family. He was the husband of Elizabeth (Betty) Darlene (Wenman) Houghton. They shared 60 years of marriage together.
Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Bill was the son of Dr. Ralph Houghton and Jennie (Wilhelmy) Houghton. He attended and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was employed by American Motors Corporation, followed by Chrysler Motors and worked as an electrician until the age of 50. He then retired and moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he had served in the U.S. Army as a young man.
Bill had a passion for fixing anything and everything, but his greatest accomplishments involved repairing and repainting automobiles both as a hobby and as service for numerous patrons. Upon moving to Texas, Bill fulfilled his dream of constructing their new home and even built a covered bridge to cross when entering the property that was featured on KENS5 News. He also enjoyed gardening and landscaping his two acres of land in Texas. His many pets held a very special place in his heart. Bill worked endlessly to support his wife and six children. He will be remembered by many as a family man whose talents were in the areas of art and invention. Bill’s work ethic is difficult to match.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, and five of his children: Laurie (Kevin) Brothers, Sandee (Mark) Gardinier, Sue (Chris) Tenuta, Gina (Patrick) Ware, and Mike (Casey) Houghton, and eleven grandchildren: Matt and Lindsey Brothers, Ryan and Brett Gardinier, Alan Houghton, Dan and Nick Tenuta, Brennan (Reagan) and Jenna Ware, & Charlie and Adi Houghton, and great-granddaughters: Scarlett and Athena Ware. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Ralph & Jennie Houghton, his brothers, Robert and Thomas Houghton, his sister, Mary Lou (Reis) Houghton, & his son, Robert Alan Houghton.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 29, 2018 at 4:00 pm at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville, Texas.
Bill’s family would like to thank all of the employees at Autumn Leaves and Encompass Hospice for the kindness and compassion they exemplified through their care-giving in these last difficult months.
Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at: Alzheimer’s Association/P.O. Box 96011/Washington, D.C./20090-6011, online at https://act.alz.org, or by phone call 800-272-3900. Bill would also be honored by any donations made to the Humane Society.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, 1016 Lorenzo Street, Castroville, Texas 78009.