James E. Houk Jr.

James E. Houk Jr., 86, of Chewton passed away Monday, September 2, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Hospice in Beaver following a brief illness.

Born July 25, 1933 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late James E. and Dorothy (Forbush) Houk Sr. He was married for 60 years to Gloria A (Burick) Houk when she passed away July 30, 2017.

Jim retired from the Babcock & Wilcox East Works in Beaver Falls and also from Cochran Valve In Koppel. He was a Veteran of the US Navy serving aboard the USS Arcadia during the Korean War. He enjoyed traveling across the country with his wife on their Goldwing motorcycle. Jim raised and trained bird dogs and beagles. He enjoyed going to field trials and hunting. Jim was a member of the Ellwood Wampum Rod and Gun Club, the NRA, the Trumbull County Beagle Club, and the PA Goldwing Assn. His most cherished time was spent with his family.

Survivors include two sons, James B. (Stacy) Houk and Mark C. (Barbara) Houk. both of Ellwood City; daughter, Erin E. (Tom) Kelly of Chewton; brother, Leroy (Joanne) Houk of Ellwood City; eight grandchildren, Eric (Shannon) Houk, Krista (Ryan) Newman, Marisa Houk, Chelsey (Jonathan) Shingler, Caitlynn Houk, Jocelyn Kelly and her fiancé, Brandon Cumberledge, McKenna Houk, and Jessica Kelly; six great grandchildren, Hailey Houk, Chase and Chloe Shingler, Sawyer Houk, Carson Cumberledge, and Charolotte Newman; and three step great grandchildren, Brody, Brock, and Mia Newman.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by five sisters, Katherine Cable, Betty Crawford, Doris Crawford, Velma Noel, and Janice Nolan; one brother, Clarence Houk, and a great grandson, Finn Anthony Houk.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, September 4 from 5-8 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, Wampum. A blessing service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 10 am. Military rites will be offered by the Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Ellwood Wampum Rod and Gun Club.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.