HOUK, Lloyd V.: 1891-1944

HOUK, HOWARD, WILLIAMS, PATTERSON

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 11/2/2013 at 03:49:32

**Handwritten: 1944

LLOYD V. HOUK DIES IN WEST DES MOINES

The following sketch of the life of Lloyd V. Houk will be of interest to the many friends of the family, former residents of Mt. Zion vicinity.
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Lloyd V. Houk, died at his home at 1119 Locust Street, West Des Moines, Saturday morning at 10 o'clock. He had been in failing health for the past five years but had only been in the hospital since Jan. 2. Growing worse, he was brought to his home on Jan. 20, where he passed away on Jan. 22, 1944.

The funeral services were conducted at the McLaren funeral home on Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock by Rev. George Lawton, formerly pastor of the Methodist church here, now of Des Moines; assisted by Clarence Bigelow, also of Des Moines. Rev. Bigelow also conducted a short service at the Rest Haven cemetery where the body was laid to its final rest.

Mr. Houk is survived by his wife, Mrs. Letha Houk, three brothers, Frank of West Des Moines, Wallace of Des Moines, and Edwin of Milwaukee, Wisc.; and by three sisters, Mrs. C.A. Howard of Keosauqua, Mrs. H.L. Williams of Boone, and Mrs. Frank Patterson of Redfield.

He was born May 26, 1891, at Mt. Zion, Iowa, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Houk. He removed to West Des Moines with his parents in 1898, and has been a resident of this city since that time. He has spent most of his life in the grocery and meat business here, working for A.H. Minnis for about seven years, and for the Elmer Spencer Grocery Co., until about five years ago, when failing health compelled his retirement from active service.

He was commander of the American Legion here, Post No. 620, for one year, 1938, and was a member of the 40 and 8. He belonged to the Masonic order, and was a member of the West Des Moines Christian church. He conducted the "Smokes for Yanks" campaign here last year, pushing it along to a successful conclusion. He also carried the mail from the depot to the post office during a portion of last summer. He was a veteran of World War I, being overseas for about three years.

He took it upon himself to go to all the adjoining cemeteries of the city and get a complete list of all departed soldiers in order that none might be overlooked on Decoration Day services. And he carried this work out faithfully during the past several years of his life.

In the old days, when at his best, he took an active part in local football and was one of the best players on the team. He was outstanding in forward passing and could throw a ball further than anyone ever seen in these parts.

While serving in World War I, he was decorated with the purple heart for being wounded in action. This is one of the oldest military awards, being originally set aside by General George Washington. This was on the famous battlefield of Chateau ?hierry. He was also gassed in this war and injuries received from ?is had a big part, no doubt ????y undermining ?????

Lloyd Houk was a man of big, imposing physique, being over six feet tall, broad shouldered, sturdily built all through, possessed of immense strength in his prime. He was a hard worker, an honest man, a loyal friend, a good neighbor and a good citizen. He, perhaps, knew more people in this city and community than almost any man in it. And he was liked by nearly all he knew. A lot of good, study substantial worth has been taken away from the community in his passing. All will join us in hoping he sleeps well in his final resting place upon the hill.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 303, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA