William John Houk

Houk, William J. (Age 79) Passed away on February, 14, 2011. Born August 31, 1931. Graduated from North Central High School where he played the guitar in the swing band. He married Rosada and moved to Pullman. Bill graduated from WSU with a degree in architecture and served in the Air Force for a couple of years. After a few years with Structural Clay Products Institute he took over the family business in Spokane, which is now Wilbert Precast. During semi-retirement Bill designed many cemetery mausoleums throughout the Northwest. Bill retired in 1992 and traveled the U.S. and Canada in his RV. He suffered a major stroke in the late 1990’s but continued to attend local Bluegrass festivals whenever possible. Bill loved raising his 3 children, Julie, Mark and Dan. He coached Pee Wee baseball and was president of the PTA. He balanced family fun, music and humor with an amazing work ethic. Many camping trips, backyard parties and holidays found him playing his guitar and leading a sing-a-long of old hillbilly songs. Baseball was another delight of Bill’s. He played in, coached and sponsored Spokane Metro softball teams for over 20 years. He is survived by wife, Janice; daughter, Julie (Ron) Bohman, Spokane, WA; son, Mark (Inez) Houk, Spokane, WA; son, Dan (Lori) Houk, Spokane, WA; stepsons, Brian (Joy) Daniels , Spokane, WA, Keith Daniels, California: Kent (Lynda) Daniels, Gig Harbor, WA: stepdaughter Jodi ( Pat) McMaster, Maryland: sister, Dixie (Ai) Self, Spokane, WA; 23 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brother, Tommy Houk and granddaughter, Renae Bohman. Our family wishes to express a very special thank you to Clare Bridge for their continual support and care. Visitation Friday, February 18, 2011, 2:00 – 8:00 P.M. A Funeral Service will be at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 19, 2011, at Ball & Dodd Funeral Home Chapel. Entombment at Fairmount Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Transitional Living Center, 3128 N. Hemlock, Spokane, WA 99205 or Union Gospel Mission.