Robert "Gene" Eugene Houtz

Gene grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Center High School in 1963 and lived in the Kansas City area his entire life.

One of Gene’s first jobs was at a local chain restaurant as a busboy. He worked his way up quickly to manager despite only being in high school. His drive and work ethic were apparent even as a young man.

Living with Jack and Rosemary at the time, he was introduced to the world of aviation through Jack who was a licensed pilot. He developed a strong passion for aviation and worked various jobs pay for his own flight training.

One of those jobs included working at Hallmark Cards. Gene and Jan met while both working at Hallmark. Gene’s job there was running a machine that put flocking, or the fuzzy stuff, on greeting cards. He loved to tell the story that he was a “flocker” - which apparently is not a title - and he said it each time smirk and a chuckle.

After working at Hallmark, Gene joined the US Army Corps of Engineers. One of his duties included building bridges for combat missions. Gene and Jan married in 1967 and their first child Diane arrived the next year. The family continued to grow 4 years later when Cindy was born. Gene was an involved father. Particularly having fun coaching Cindy’s various sports teams. He may have earned the nickname “mean gene,” but the kids he coached still lovingly remember him yelling “dig, dig, dig” as they ran the bases.

Gene also had a creative side. He enjoyed making his daughter’s Halloween costumes and the girls always had the most epic valentine boxes, including the prize winning, multi-story, “love boat.” He even dabbled in guitar playing every so often, singing a tune.

Although his aviation career had him away from home a lot, he made time for plenty of adventures as the kids grew up. Gene enjoyed taking the family camping, on float trips, snow skiing, and many boating trips where he particularly loved driving the boat in tighter and tighter circles in order to throw the next victim off of the tube.

Gene enjoyed a long and colorful career in the aviation industry. He pretty much did everything. From flight instruction in small aircraft to corporate flying, his list of milestones included earning a rotor-wing (or helicopter) license, type ratings in B767/757, MD80, and various other general aviation jets and turbo props. He worked as a “Freight Dog” flying cargo, an Air Traffic Controller at Johnson County Executive Airport, a General Aviation Safety inspector in the Flight Standards Division FAA ,and finished his career as an Aircrew Program Manager with the FAA; primarily working closely with the flight department at TWA. He developed many close friendships within both the FAA and TWA that remain strong to this day.

His love for the industry lasted throughout his whole life. In his younger years for instance: the time he was the only (crazy) pilot that volunteered to fly an aircraft, that had made an emergency landing on a highway, off of the highway because they were going to pay him $50. And then more recently, he enjoyed watching the show Air Disasters, and ANY documentaries about aviation.

Gene was very proud of his career, and this was highlighted when both of his daughters followed him into the industry. The girls can remember the slight flicker in his eye, as he tried his hardest to hide his excitement and pride. He crossed paths with both girls in his capacity with the FAA.

Cindy worked as a flight operations training specialist teaching the 757/767 at TWA. She often caught him peeking in on her as she taught classes when he was in the building. One time when, he was conducting a routine line check on a TWA flight crew, coincidentally, as he went to check in with the pilots, it was a great surprise to find his daughter Diane flying as the first officer.

Gene will be remembered as a loving grandfather-or as he was known “Poppy”. The grandkids remember lots of snuggle time, hikes to the river, him telling them his “critter” stories, rides on the tractor and much more..

In retirement Gene enjoyed taking care of their land. He was often found out mowing on his tractor. Including the time-fairly recently- that he somehow managed to run over himself with the mower. Thankfully the blade was not engaged! He was known for buying vast amounts of bird seed and dried corn that he put out and around the yard to attract “his critters.” The grandkids have fond memories of helping Poppy fill the feeders- dragging heavy buckets of seed and scattering bits of corn all around. He loved watching the deer, turkey, geese, raccoons etc. that his food attracted.

Gene was famous-at least in the family- for his batches of chocolate fudge and cherry mash at Christmas time. Everyone looked forward to it. When asked about favorite memories his first grandchild, Katie, immediately brought up Poppy making her her very own batch of fudge and sending it to her in college in Texas. He told her she had to share, so she did ever so sparingly with only her closest of friends; it was a true delicacy.

Gene also enjoyed hosting, along with Jan, Christmas Eve family gatherings every year. He had a secret recipe for spiced wine that we all enjoyed; and still don’t know the recipe for!

Gene (Dad, Poppy) will be dearly missed.

Please take a minute to share with us your memories and/or photos. We know there are many more stories and we would love to hear them from you. There is a section here on the website where you can share. And if anyone would like to say something about Gene at the service that will be welcome as well.

Gene was preceded in death by mother Helen Houtz, father Harold Victory Houtz, brother Richard Houtz, sister Vicki Thurman, beloved Aunt Rosemary Cobleigh and Uncle Jack Cobleigh, Jett Kenneth Hackert, grandson.

He is survived by wife Janice Houtz, brother John Houtz, daughters Diane Kramp (husband Kyle) and Cynthia Hackert along with grandchildren Katherine and Zachary (Diane), Callista and Acea (Cynthia).