Ralph Edward Houghton
Ralph Edward Houghton, 90, passed away at 12:40 p.m., Sept. 30, 2013, in Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw, Ind.
He was born Nov. 8, 1922, in South Bend, Ind., to Frank and Alma (Poff) Houghton. He was united in marriage to Zulema Delilah Carroll, who survives. They celebrated 71 years of marriage this year.
Ralph faithfully served his country during World War II (Jan. 1943 – Nov. 1945) in the United States Army as a Sergeant in the Northern France Central Europe campaigns under the command of Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was wounded in Brest, France on Aug. 27, 1944. He was awarded two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars for meritorious achievement in ground combat against the armed enemy during WWII in Northern France. He received the WWII Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. He is also an Honoree Charter Member of the World War II Museum in New Orleans, La.
Ralph was a very happy, loving, and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He loved to laugh and to tell jokes, and he was a great traveler with his life-long wife, companion, and friend, Zulema. He was part owner and dedicated worker at the Pyramid Oil Company in Etna Green, Ind., for many years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Etna Green and an Etna Green Volunteer Fireman for numerous years. He also belonged to the Masonic Lodge, Ancient Scottish Rites and the American Legion.
He is survived by his wife; two daughters: Dianna Holderman (Dean), Bremen, Ind.; Connie Armey (Roger) of Warsaw; a son; Rick Houghton (Delia), Paw Paw, Mich.; a sister: Shirley Houghton, La Habra, Calif.; grandchildren; Lori, Tammy, Christopher, Cheri and Tara Holderman; Michelle, Melissa, Scott, Kristy, Kimberly and Kayla Armey; Steven, Amy, Rebecca and Mark Houghton; spouses of the grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and his special kittens: Chloe and Molly.
Ralph was preceded in death by his sister, Alice (Houghton) Singleton (Vance).
At Ralph’s request, there will be no viewing or services as cremation has taken place.
Deaton Clemens Funeral Home is caring for the arrangements.