John William Houchins
Burial Details
Obituaries
Steamboat Today - August 25, 2017
John was born and raised in Kingsport, Tennessee.
He was a proud veteran who served his country with distinction in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. John served as a medic in the Army and was the recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Bronze Star with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal and several other medals and badges.
John spent most of his adult life in Omaha, Nebraska, working as a respiratory therapist at the Nebraska Medical Center for more than 30 years. He retired from Nebraska Medical Center in 2010 and spent the last three years of his retirement in Steamboat Springs, where he enjoyed the outdoor life: hiking, fly fishing, bird watching, skiing, snow shoeing etc.
John was the eldest of four children, born to his mother Virginia Lee Houchins and father Ira William Houchins. He is survived by his sisters: Linda Houchins and Sandra Spears, brother Ira Houchins, and son John Michael Houchins.
John lived large, with countless interests and friends. He dabbled in juggling and was an avid cyclist (both bicycle and motorcycle). He studied birds, plants, trains, astronomy and American history, just to name a few. John enjoyed traveling and collecting art, vintage clocks and vintage dishware.
John was a very generous, compassionate and gentle soul. He enhanced the lives of all those he touched, and he will be dearly missed.
John’s remains will be held at the Omaha National Cemetery’s new Columbarium. A military service will be held at the cemetery around the end of October. Date and time will be announced once arrangements have been made.
John William Houchins, may you rest in peace, our beloved friend.
