Jack M. Houston

Jack M. Houston, 86, of Eastbrook Road, died Thursday, December 16, 2010 at Overlook Medical Center in New Wilmington. He was born July 19, 1924 in New Castle, the son of the late Edwin M. and Mada (Moorhead) Houston. He married Patricia Ann (McClurg) Houston who died in 2007. Mr. Houston was a retired electrician from Local #712 of the I.B.E.W. He was part owner of Houston Electric Co. for 31 years. He was an Army veteran of World War II serving in Europe. He was a First Lieutenant in the Army Air Corp., he was a bombardier and navigator on a B-25 bomber. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star Medal. Mr. Houston was a graduate of the New Castle Business College. He was a member of Lodge of the Craft of Westminster #433, a member of the Scottish Rite of New Castle, and a 32nd Degree Mason. Mr. Houston served on the Cathedral Foundation Board, and the stage crew for many years. He received the Meritorious Service Award from the Masons in 1972. He was a member of the New Castle Legion of Honor and also a member of the Shriners and the Eastbrook Presbyterian Church. Mr. Houston was a founding member and the sole surviving charter member of the Hickory Twp. Fire Department and also past Fire Chief. He served on the Hickory Twp. School Board and was President and was involved in the consolidation of school districts that then became the Laurel School District. He served for many years on the Lawrence-Hickory Municipal Authority as Chairman. He was a life time member of the Perry Gaston Post of the American Legion. Mr. Houston was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Marshburg, PA, with his family and friends. In his youth he raced micro midget race cars in events all over the country. He enjoyed working on various projects in his shop with his friends.

He is survived by three sons, Thomas E. Houston, James Houston and his wife Diane, and Richard Houston and his wife Connie, all of New Castle, one sister, Janet M. Erskine of Edinburg, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Lynn Ann Houston.

Visitation will be held at the William F. & Roger M. DeCarbo Funeral Home on Saturday, December 18, 2010 from 7 P.M. to 9 P.M. and Sunday, December 19, 2010 from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and 7 P.M. to 9 P.M.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 20, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at the William F. DeCarbo Memorial Chapel. Pastor Jason Schepp of Eastbrook Presbyterian Church will be officiating. A Masonic Service will be conducted at the funeral home, Sunday at 8:45 P.M. Burial will be in Briar Hill Cemetery. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will perform military funeral rites at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Eastrbrook Presbyterian Church, 3727 State Road, New Castle, PA 16105, or the the Eastbrook Fire Department.