Donald Houghton was born to Howard and Zola (Wilcox) Houghton on December 20, 1947in Portland, Oregon. He grew up with his older brother Bill in the same area, their father passing away when Don was twelve. Don attended Kansas University, the school with many family ties for him. After graduation, he moved to Omaha, NE to work for Union Pacific Railroad. With a passion for architecture, he designed and was building a contemporary house when he met and married Alta (Gilbert) in 1972. They would call a few different places home as they grew their young family, welcoming Karen in 1974 and Brian in 1976.
Don designed and together they built one more unique house in Omaha before a job opportunity brought them to Woodbury, MN in 1987. Still their home almost 35 years later, Don always had a project in mind, whether for their church, his kids' homes or a cabin he enjoyed dreaming about building someday.
In addition to his interest in architecture, Don shared his love of music, reading, humor and traveling with many people. Whenever possible, he used these gifts and interests to serve family and friends: organ or piano or tenor voice in choir, collecting music, writing music, encouraging musical interest in children and grandchildren; reading on a vast array of topics; travel that was intentional for keeping relationships strong and educating his family with experiences, serving on a mission trip to Culiacan, Mexico, and more relaxed adventures he enjoyed with Alta in recent years.
Active in churches wherever he has lived, Don called on Jesus as his Lord during his middle school years and grew in understanding ever since that time. He has shared that John 3:16 should always be paired with John 3:17 when describing to someone the most important truth they could hold onto. (16) For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. (17) For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Don entered heaven on November 19, 2021 and will be lovingly remembered by his wife Alta; children Karen (John) Thomas and Brian (Kay) Houghton; grandchildren Daniel, Allison and Amelia Thomas and Luke, Noah and Ellie Houghton; many friends and family.
Memorial service will take place at 11am on Friday, December 3, 2021 at North Haven Church, 2240 15th Ave E, North St. Paul. Visitation will begin one hour prior to service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Don's name to The Jesus Film Project or North Haven Church.
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