George Lee Houston, 81, of Osceola, Missouri passed away peacefully, with his wife Donna by his side on April 18, 2020. Prior to this he had been living the long goodbye with dementia. He was born August 10, 1938 in Eldorado Springs, Missouri to Violet (Lorene) Eason Smith and George L. Smith. In 1939 Lorene married Ora Houston and they raised George, and Ora’s daughter Peggy Houston Womack.
In 1957 George and Donna Dewey were married and had three children Gary, Cinda, and infant Jon Ora who died at birth.
George served in the Marine Corp in 1956. The family business, The Home Decorator’s Shop was founded in 1959 with his parents and wife, continuing in Osceola until 1973. George and Ora painted or wallpapered numerous walls and finished many floors in St Clair County.
A life well lived. George was always an adventurous man and discovered his passion in flying. He began with a gyrocopter and ultra-lite aircraft, and then light aircraft for personal and business purposes. This led him to make a living with a variety of flying experiences; banner towing, crop dusting, fire patrol, aerial photography, certified aerial mechanic and certified flight instructor. He took care of Osceola’s airport for many years, serving as an ambassador for the community. George lived in Osceola most of his life except for six years in Roscoe and served his community as volunteer fireman and Fire Chief of the Osceola Fire Department. He was also a TASA insurance salesman, a semi- truck driver and worked on an oil rig in Texas with Red Adair. An intelligent, ingenious and self- made man who served as an example to pursue your passions and dreams with confidence.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Donna of Osceola, Missouri; daughter, Cinda of Utah; and siblings Ginger Smith Sappenfield of Blue Springs, Missouri, Janice Smith Floyd of Stockton, Missouri and Lloyd Smith of Joplin, Missouri. He is preceded in death by his Mother, Lorene Westerlin; Fathers, George Lee Smith and Ora Houston; sons Gary and Jon Ora and sister Peggy Womack.
Thank you to the staff at Truman Lake Manor that treated George with compassion, patience and respect. Service are pending at a later date.
Condolences(6)-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Porta, Ronny Edwin
Next Louis, Janice
Gladys Smith says
April 21, 2020 at 6:43 amI am so very sorry for your loss Donna…hugs and prayers to you and Cinda.
June wallace-Martin says
April 21, 2020 at 10:18 amDonna I am sorry for your loss. May God give you peace for the coming months.
basil hildebrand says
April 21, 2020 at 3:28 pmGlad I’ve been able to be with you through trying times. That’s what cousins are for.
basil hildebrand.marylu says
April 21, 2020 at 3:30 pmGlad I’ve been able to be with you through trying times. That’s what cousins are for.
Kathleen Rooney says
April 29, 2020 at 8:06 pmI’m so sorry for your loss Donna and Cinda. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joan Bench says
May 7, 2020 at 1:19 pmSorry for your loss prayers for you and Cinda, From Joan and Beth