Willard Lafayette Houston

Willard Lafayette Houston, 86, formerly of Fulton, Kan., died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at the Joplin Health Center, in Joplin, Mo. He was born Oct. 15, 1921, in Bagnall, Mo., the son of Andrew Jackson and Ida Mae (Snelling) Houston. He married Margaret Ann Barnes April 30, 1947, in Fort Scott. She preceded him in death March 1, 2006.

He graduated from Stotesbury High School, and was a member of the West Liberty United Methodist Church. Willard served in the United States Army in World War II, with the 32nd Division -- Recon Troop, Pacific Theatre. He was also a 60 year member of the Unity Masonic Lodge No. 495, of Richards, Mo., and of the Stotesbury Grange.

He is survived by two sons; Stuart Houston, Webb City, Mo., and Steve Houston, Torrance, Calif., a brother; Wayne Houston, Richards, and a sister, Lois Houston Cooper, also of Richards; six grandchildren; Jeanette Houston Sayler, Paola, Kan., Scott Houston, Melissa Houston, Travis Houston, and Trent Houston, all of Torrance, Calif., and Jake Houston, Webb City, Mo. In addition to his wife, Margaret, Willard was preceded in death by his parents, a sister; Grace Houston, and a granddaughter; Melanie Houston.

The Rev. Vida Williams-Huens will conduct funeral services for Willard, 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10, at the West Liberty United Methodist Church, near Hammond, Kan. Burial will be in the Underwood Cemetery, south of Hume, Mo. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday Jan. 9, 2008 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Expressions of sympathy may be e-mailed to the family at expressions@konantz-cheney.com.