Roy Charles Houston, Jr.

     Roy Charles Houston, Jr. was born to Roy Charles and Vera June Houston on March 23, 1940 in Norton Kansas. He passed away at the age of 85 on June 15, 2025 in Arvada, Colorado. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Janice Kay Swenson, his niece Kristin Jan Aschenbrenner, and numerous friends.  He leaves behind a legacy of love through his children: Natalie Jenkins (Shawn), Heather Nemer (Bill), T.C. Houston (Jill) and their mother, Jeanie Houston; his grandchildren: Jessica Jenkins, Peter Jenkins, Marissa Heiss (Alex), Mellanie Barnier, Jason Nemer, Jack Houston and Garrett Janz; his companion of 35 years, Loretta Marks and her family: Jonathan, Joan, Ella and Harrison; his sister Carol Aschenbrenner (Steve); his brother-in-law Ron Swenson; his nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews: Taylor Boyd, IV (Mary), Todd Boyd (Susie), Stacy Muscar (Jim), Amy Henneberg (Rick), Todd Aschenbrenner (Diane); Julia Muscar, Jake Muscar, Harrison Henneberg, Bryce Henneberg, Dayne Aschenbrenner, Bodyn Aschenbrenner and Brooklynn Aschenbrenner; Cousins: Joe Bowman and Linda Houston; and treasured friends: Alan and Vicki Rosenberg, Jim Jenkins, and Harry Harold.

     After earning a Master of Science Degree from Emporia State in Emporia, Kansas in 1969, Roy taught 7th/8th grade history in Solomon Kansas. In 1970 he moved to Colorado where he became a pharmaceutical salesman for Procter and Gamble. Following retirement, Roy ushered at Rockies baseball games, managing to sneak every family member and friend to seats behind home plate at least once. For his final career, Roy satisfied his love of cars by driving for a local car auction.

     Roy was a man who never met a stranger.  He always asked for, and never forgot, a person’s name. If you gave him two minutes, he’d discover something you had in common, and you’d become friends.

     He was a consummate story-teller.  He loved to draw listeners in by sharing compelling tales infused with humor yet filled with intrigue as his flawed (but loveable) characters strove towards accomplishment of a herculean task. It mattered not (or very little) that the story was about his trip to Target to buy mouthwash. He could turn the mundane into an adventure.

     Not that Roy would turn down the chance at a “real” adventure. He loved to travel near and far. He and Loretta traversed the globe; exploring every continent except Antarctica, cruising oceans and rivers, and experiencing diverse cultures.

     Roy made sure his family knew they were loved. He enjoyed attending their events, vacationing with them or just shooting the breeze.  He always sent a carefully-selected card and called on birthdays. Even in his last week, when he was in a morphine-induced stupor (and couldn’t dial his phone), he insisted the nurse help him call his younger daughter to wish her a happy birthday. (Somehow it was even more precious that it was June and her birthday is in April.)

     In lieu of a memorial service, Roy’s immediate family will be holding a private gathering to fulfill his wish to spread his ashes in the Rocky Mountains.

     Memorial contributions can be made to Elevation Hospice in gratitude for their compassionate care of Roy in his last days.    https://sagefoc.com/elevation-co/#donate