RICHARD D. HOUCHINS

Richard Dale Houchins, 66, of Ewing, Mo., died April 24, at Blessing Hospital.

Born October 26, 1948, in Louisiana, Mo., and soon after settling in rural Ewing, Richard was the son of Clarence and Elsie (Schindler) Houchins.

After graduating from Ewing High School, Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968. He served one tour in Vietnam in the Army Security Agency as Crew Chief on Helicopter and Fixed Wing. On June 20, 1970, he married the love of his life, Jeana Rahe Shults, at the First Baptist Church in Ewing.

With his father, Richard farmed and raised registered Angus cattle until taking on the role of Manager at Farmers Co-op in Ewing. He retired in November, 2010, following 22 years of dedicated service to the agricultural community.

Richard was an active lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Ewing and served in various capacities. A friend to many, he enjoyed road trips, birthday celebrations, and coffee on the patio. He truly enjoyed the outdoors and spent countless hours hunting, working in the yard, and growing an ever-giving garden. He especially enjoyed summers with his granddaughters, his winter pheasant hunting trips with friends, and family fishing adventures.

Richard leaves behind his wife Jeana; two children, Ashli Houchins of Columbia, Mo., and Josh Houchins of Ewing; grandchildren Kayla and Justine Houchins and daughter-in-law Heather Nettleingham of Streator, Ill.; one sister, Bonnie (Sam) Lynn of Gallatin, Tenn.; sister-in-law, Jan (Buster) Geisendorfer; brother-in-law, Mark Shults; sister-in-law Kitty (Kevin) Shults; nephew Sam (Barb) Lynn, Jr.; nieces Deanna (Jim) Hoopingarner, Nicole (Jamie) Goodwin, Bridget (Cody) Browning, Keli Geisendorfer, Brandy Shults, Billie Jo (Sean) Bryan, and Felicia Shults; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest son, Justin Houchins. Also preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Bill and Elizabeth Shults, aunts, uncles, and one brother-in-law.

Funeral services were held April 28, 2015 in the First Baptist Church of Ewing with Dr. Jeff Brown and Rev. Tim Smith officiating. Pallbearers:Dan Griesbaum, Dan Mittelberg, Ernie Wallace, Steve Walker, Buster Geisendorfer and Mark Shults. Music: Linda Robertson, Pianist; Sam Lynn Jr., Vocalist

Interment and military honors was in Ewing Memorial Cemetery. Visitation was held April 27, 2015 at the First Baptist Church of Ewing. Arrangements were handled by the Ball-Davis Funeral Home, Ewing, Mo.

The family suggests memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Ewing Building Fund or to the Ewing Park Association.

Online condolences may be left at www.davis-fh.com