Keith Houchin

Keith Houchin, 77, of Mazon, IL passed away Thursday, April 22, 2010 at Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers in Morris, IL. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at Osborne-Nelson Funeral Home with the Rev. Winn Alley officiating. Visitation will be 4-8 PM Tuesday, April 27, at Osborne-Nelson Funeral Home, with Masonic Services at 7:00 pm. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park with Military services. Keith was born August 19, 1932 to Earl and Gladys (Walker) Houchin. He graduated from Seneca High School Class of 1950. He married Beverly Pearson Christmas Eve in 1954 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa, IL. He attended Illinois State University and graduated in 1954. He was involved with ROTC while at Illinois State University and served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War as a 2nd Lieutenant from 1952-1956 attaining rank of Captain. He started his teaching career in Waverly, IL. He taught most of his career at Mazon-Verona-Kinsman High School. He retired from his teaching career in 1993 at Seneca High School. He was an English Teacher. During his years of teaching, he coached football, track, golf, basketball, baseball and served as Athletic Director. Keith was a member of Mazon Masonic Lodge #826, Bloomington Consistory and Mazon American Legion. He also was an avid supporter of the Shriners' Hospitals, a Grand Lecturer, and was District Deputy Grand Master for the State of Illinois. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing bridge, was a lifetime Cubs fan, and loved his grandchildren most. Keith is survived by his wife, Beverly of Mazon; two daughters, Keri (Greg) Wahl of Streator, IL, and Kelli (Mike) Unger of Coal City; three sons, Keith (Chris) of Minooka, IL, Kirk (Cindy) of Mazon, and Kris (Patty) of Morris, IL; thirteen grandchildren, Brian and Cory Wahl, Ali (Mark) Dunlap, Leslie, Natalie and Michael Unger, Jason Houchin, Kara (Matt) Mejia, and Daniel, Megan, Amanda, and Mathew, and Steffanie Houchin; one great granddaughter, Samantha Dunlap; one sister Marilyn (Steve) Wallace of Ottawa; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Gerald R. Houchin, and four grandchildren in infancy. Pallbearers will be Brian and Cory Wahl, Michael Unger, Jason, Daniel, and Mathew Houchin. Honorary pallbearers Jerry Farber, Dick Esgar, Jerry Barla, George Oswald, Larry Ahearn, Don Ahearn, George Dennis, and Paul Burkhardt. Memorials may be directed to the family to establish a scholarship in his name.