Lonnie Max Houston

Lonnie Max Houston died on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at his home in Perkins following a battle with cancer at the age of 84.

Services for Lonnie Max Houston of Perkins will be Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Palmer-Marler Funeral Home Chapel in Perkins with the Minister David Pock, First Christian Church of Perkins officiating. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, Perkins, Oklahoma.
Arrangements are under the direction of Palmer-Marler Funeral Home, Perkins, Ok.

Houston was born November 26, 1928 in the Merrick community southwest of Perkins to Lewis and Lea Houston. He spent his childhood there and received his secondary education at Perkins Schools.

Houston enlisted in the U.S. Army in June of 1946 and received his assignment to Augsburg, Germany. He served with the 8th Army and X Corp during the Korean War where he saw combat in North Korea in the Yalu River and Chosin Reservoir regions. He belonged to the unit known as the "Frozen Chosin" and the "Chosin Few." Houston received the World War II Victory Medal; the Army of Occupation Medal; Presidential Unit Citation (Republic of Korea); Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars; and the Combat Infantry Badge, before being honorably discharged in April of 1952.

Following his service to country, Houston was employed as a plumber in Kansas, initially at Wichita, then later establishing his own business in Hoxie, Kansas. He petitioned the Masonic Lodge for membership while living in Kansas and became a Master Mason. He had more than 57 years of service at the time of his death. He retired from his business in 1992 and returned to Perkins. He enjoyed fishing on Lake Carl Blackwell, VFW activities, and family reunions.

He was one of 10 children born to Lewis and Lea (Churchill) Houston. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by sons, Clark and Freddie; brothers, Clifford, Glen, Leon and Calvin; and an infant sister, Alice. He is survived by a son, Leon, of Tecumseh; sisters, Mildred Price of Tecumseh, Nellie Neitman of Stillwater, Ada Ruth Shaffer of Perkins and Violetta Ruminer of Guthrie; 15 nieces and nephews; and special friend Diana Nickerson.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the VFW, 801 N Sadler Road, Perkins, OK 74059