Richard Earl “Sam” Houston was born September 30, 1937 in Toledo, Ohio, to Earl John and Thelma Lucille (Cullum) Houston. He passed away Saturday, January 24, 2015, in Owasso, Oklahoma, at the age of 77 years. Sam was a graduate of DeVilbiss High School in Toledo, Ohio. After graduation he attended the University of Toledo from 1956-1958, working toward a Civil Engineer Degree. With a passion for airplanes, Sam decided to join the United States Air Force where he served his country honorably from 1959 thru 1962 and became an aircraft mechanic while stationed in Germany. Upon completion of his military service, Sam relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to acquire his Airframe and Power plant License in 1964 at the Spartan School of Aeronautics. This is also when he met his loving wife Theda Jean and was married October 2, 1965, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They were longtime faithful members of the First United Methodist Church in Tulsa. Sam worked 31 years from 1965 to 1996 for American Airlines as a Jet Engine Mechanic (Turbine Engine Overhaul), acting Crew Chief and Supervisor, and also worked on the Turbine Engine Overhaul Expansion Program from 1987 to 1988. He would often say he would still go to work every day even if they didn’t pay him because he loved what he did so much. He enjoyed a variety of pastime including traveling, but most important was being with his family.
Loving family members include: Two daughters; Missy Lansdowne and her husband Craig, of Owasso Debbie Houston, of Edmond, Oklahoma Four grandchildren; Jeriah, Michael, Alex, and Paige Eight great grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife of over 48 years, Theda Jean “TJ” Houston.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Graveside services will be held 11:00 Wednesday, January 28, 1015, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa with Pastor Ed Bateman officiating. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Transitions LifeCare, 1515 East 71st Street, Suite 100, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74136. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
