Lee William Houdeshell

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Lee William Houdeshell, 89, Nevada, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, at Freeman Health System West, Joplin, Mo., following a lengthy illness. He was born June 27, 1923, in Hiattville, Kan., to Ralph Paul Houdeshell and Gladys Francis Henning Houdeshell. He and Carrie H. Bogart were married on May 15, 1947, in Nevada, and she survives of the home.

Lee came with his family to Vernon County near Sheldon at a young age. He graduated from Sheldon High School in 1942. Lee served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1945 during World War II in the Pacific Theatre of War. He returned to Vernon County after the war and worked for Joseph L. Pohl from 1952-1978. He also farmed and raised cattle most of his life. He was a 50-year member and past master of the Sheldon Masonic Lodge No. 371, a member of the Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Abou Ben Adem Shrine, Springfield, Mo. Lee was a member of the Sheldon United Methodist Church.

In addition to his wife, Carrie, survivors include two sons, Dale Lee Houdeshell and his wife, Judith, Manhattan, Kan., and Robert Lynn Houdeshell and his wife, Peggy, Monticello, Ill.; seven grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; two brothers, Daniel Ralph Houdeshell ("Jr."), Nevada, and Robert Houdeshell, Nevada; six sisters, Lilia Bogart, Liberty, Mo., Anna Maude Bogart, Sheldon, Mae Lamb, Nevada, Ruby Wright, Sheldon, Pauline Stanstill, Sheldon, Patricia Schwartz, Nevada; four half-sisters; two half-brothers; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Lloyd; and two sisters, Lenora McElwee and Viola Chansler.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 25, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with the Rev. Wayne Coble officiating. Interment will follow in Sheldon Cemetery, Sheldon, Mo. Masonic services will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 24, at the funeral home with visitation following until 8 p.m.

Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the American Cancer Society in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com