Michael Metcalf Houghton

Michael Metcalf Houghton, age 80, of New Kent, Virginia, passed away at home on Sunday, April 12, 2020 after a decades-long cancer battle, surrounded by his beloved wife of 60 years, Billie, and his two daughters, Allyson Houghton Daugherty and Michelle Houghton Drewer.

In addition to his wife and daughters, he is survived by his two sons-in-law, William B. Daugherty and N. Craig Drewer, grandson William Cole Daugherty, granddaughter Hannah Corinne Drewer, brother Philip L. Houghton and many nieces and nephews.

He was born the eldest of three sons, to Norman and Marian Houghton on June 2, 1939 in Kansas City, MO. He graduated in 1957 from Southeast High School, and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Central Missouri University. He served as an Airman in the U.S. Air Force Reserves from 1957 to 1965. He proudly became a Special Agent with the Office of Naval Intelligence in 1964, which later became the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and was able to travel the world, making lifelong memories and friends. He retired in 1989 with 25 years of service at age 50.

He was an avid tennis player and loved all aspects of boating. His love of sailing began while stationed in Hawaii in the mid ‘70s. He owned four boats in his lifetime, and completed many boating trips with his family over the decades that followed, including a great deal of time exploring the Chesapeake Bay. In 1997, he reached a life goal of navigating the Intracoastal Waterway with Billie. In retirement, he found a love for travel, cooking and golf.

He will be remembered for his adventurous and generous spirit, proud Irish heritage, love of a good wine, devotion to KU basketball, sense of humor, hearty laugh and love for his family.

As he was an enthusiastic dog lover, memorial donations may be made to the Heritage Humane Society in Williamsburg, VA online www.HeritageHumane.org. Per his request, a private family gathering will be held. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Charlie Jung, M.D and his staff at Virginia Urology, and KC Wooten, RN with Hospice of Virginia.