It is with deep sorrow and much love that our family mourns the passing of our father, Eugene Houchen, on April 30, 2021 at the age of 90. He was a caring, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Eugene was born in Lincoln, Illinois on March 6th, 1931. In high school, he was active in sports (football, basketball and track). He was a veteran of the Korean War where he served as a mechanic in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital Unit. Prior to moving to the Phoenix valley in 1970, he worked at Bliss and Laughlin as a steelworker as well as a mechanic at the local Texaco gas station. Upon arriving in Phoenix, Eugene did some odd jobs until he started working at Glendale Iron and Metal. He also worked at Fry’s grocery store and Cartwright School District.
Some of his favorite hobbies include fixing the neighborhood children's bikes, collecting pins and badges, drawing, dabbling in painting, solitaire and card games. He also enjoyed music, dance and outdoor concerts in the park.
He is survived by his children (Linda Lodge, Patty Johnson and Gene Houchen), grandchildren (Jessica Rittorno, Erica Lodge, Lisa Millett and Josh Johnson) and one great grandchild (Anastasia Rittorno).
Eugene’s ashes will be interned at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale, Arizona alongside his wife, Betty, of 52 years.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in memory of Eugene to be made to 'Disabled American Veterans' at www.dav.org.
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