Richard H. Houser

Brigadier General Richard H. Houser, Ret; age 85, of Jonestown, died on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Betty I. (nee Fox) Houser, and on June 28th they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Born August 28, 1925 in Reading he was the son of the late Harvey F. Houser and Violet M. Roshorn Houser Christeson. He graduated from Lebanon High School in 1943 where he earned varsity letters in wrestling and track. In addition to his wife he is survived by his four daughters Cheryl A. Houser of Cornwall, Beverly J. wife of Patrick Brewer of Lebanon, Debra J. wife of Gregory Bishop of Myerstown and Lesley K. Fortna companion of Richard Briar, Jr. of Jonestown; a sister Janice Brennan of King of Prussia and a brother William R. Houser of Bakersfield, CA. 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, R. Scott Houser. He served in the military for over 42 years, enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He attended the Naval Air Technical Training Center, Norman, OK, and became an aviation metal smith, a crew chief of an SBD2C Dauntless dive bomber, a refrigerator repairman at Gillespie Field, El Cajon, CA Marine Corps Para-Marine Base, and Chief Clerk of Hq, Marine Air West Coast, El Toro MCAS at Tustin, CA. He remained in the USMC Reserve until February 1950 when he enlisted in the PA Army National Guard. He was commissioned a 2nd Lt in 1951 and remained in the National Guard until June 1973 when he entered on active duty with the U.S. Army. He was nominated by Gov. Milton Shapp to become the United States Property & Fiscal Officer for Pennsylvania and appointed to the position by Lt Gen. LaVerne Weber, Chief, National Guard Bureau. He served on the Special Staff of the State Adjutant General for 35 years serving in that position under seven State Adjutants General and eight Governors. He served three tours of special duty in the Pentagon under the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. For his distinguished service at the Pentagon he was awarded the coveted “Eagle Award” in recognition of high achievement to his country and the Legion of Merit. He received the Pa. American Legion Distinguished Service Award in 1975 for outstanding service to his community, State and Nation. He graduated from the Army Quartermaster School, Basic & Advanced Officer’s School, Army Finance Center, Army Accounting & Auditing Course, Army Contracting Officer School and the Command & General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS. In January 1982, he was made an honorary member of the prestigious historic Veteran Guard, 3rd Infantry Regiment. Upon retirement from the military in 1985 he was awarded the Legion of Merit for outstanding services and achievements. He was an active participant in his community. Two-term President, Jonestown Perseverance Fire Company, a two-term Commander, Marlin L. Gahres American Legion Post No. 883, for which he was awarded Life Membership in both organizations and was twice the State Chairman of the first Junior American Legion State Baseball Tournaments (1969-1970); Chairman, Jonestown Christmas Lights; Chairman & Parade Marshal of the 1961 Jonestown County Fireman’s & Bicentennial Parades; Chairman Jonestown Area Medical Center Fundraiser; Chairman, Jonestown Bicentennial Committee; Chairman and founder of the Jonestown Community Park; Director, Lebanon Valley Industrial Development Authority; one of the original founders and 1st President of Quittie-Woods, Inc.; was inducted into the Central Chapter Sports Hall of Fame receiving the John B. Sollenberger Award for Meritorious Community Service in Sports and ran for Lebanon County Commissioner. He was a member of Mt. Lebanon Lodge 226, F&AM, Quittapahilla Tall Cedars of Lebanon Forest No. 25 and Captain & Chief Ranger of the Forest No. 25 Precision Drill Team for 36 years. He belonged to St. John’s United Church of Christ, Jonestown where he taught Sunday School for 12 years, further serving as deacon, elder and President of the Church Council. In 2007, at the age of 82, he conceived and chaired “The Spirit of Jonestown” six division community parade to raise funds in support of the Jonestown Community Park. In January 2008 the Borough Council and Borough Mayor George Kaufman named him “2007 Volunteer of the Year” for his efforts toward improving the community. For his contributions to the community for over 50 years the Jonestown Borough Council proclaimed August 11, 2007 as Brigadier General “Dick Houser Day”. He was also given a proclamation by the Lebanon County Commissioners citing his 42 years of military service to his country and his community. In 2010 he was recognized as the Founder of the Jonestown Community Park, established a Veterans Memorial wall in Zions Lutheran Evangelical Cemetery and was to be the Chairman and Grand Marshal for the 250th Jonestown Anniversary Parade to be held June 25, 2011. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. at the St. John’s United Church of Christ, Jonestown. Viewing will be held on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Kreamer & Lum Funeral Home & Crematory, Rt. 72 & Camp Meeting Rd., Jonestown and at 9:00 a.m. at the church on Saturday. Masonic service will be conducted by Mt. Lebanon Lodge 226, F&AM at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Interment will be in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Lebanon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jonestown Community Park, PO Box 446, Jonestown, PA 17038. 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Richard H. Houser

August 28, 1925 - December 14, 2010