Robert G. Houghton, age 88, of East Stancliff Road, McKean, passed away Monday, October 22, 2012 at Edinboro Manor after a period of failing health. Born in Bradford, PA on June 5, 1924, he was the only child of the late Perry Gail Houghton and Mary Agnes Day Houghton.
Bob lived most of his life in McKean, but first attended Strong Vincent High School and entered the United States Navy in 1942, serving until his discharge in 1945. He served on the USS Hatfield, patrolling the waters of the Northern Pacific during World War II.
For many years Bob worked as a plumber, and he was employed by General Electric, retiring after almost 25 years. Bob was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and raising hunting dogs. After he retired, he traveled extensively around the country and to Nova Scotia.
He was a charter member and past officer, including Quartermaster, of the Edinboro-McKean VFW Post 740. During his membership, he helped to establish the military honor guard.
Preceding him in death was his first wife, Margaret Tokarczyk Houghton, who died in 1984; and an infant son, Mark Houghton.
Family members that survive include his wife, Paulene Reese Shields Houghton, whom he married May 23, 1986; four children– Michael J. Houghton and his wife Brenda of Erie, Susan A. Houghton-Ekelund and her husband Bob of Edinboro, Christine M. Kitson and her husband Tom of Erie, and James P. Houghton and his wife Debra of McKean; two step-children– Judy Shields of Elk City, OK and Cora Bartosek and her husband Joe of Edinboro; and 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., and the funeral service will be there Friday at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Thomas Shelow officiating. Burial will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in McKean.
The Houghton family wishes to thank the special caregivers at Edinboro Manor and Lakeland Hospice.
Memorials may be made to the Central Erie County Paramedics Association, 125 Meadville Street, Edinboro, PA 16412.
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