Donald Luke Houston
RICHMOND - Donald Luke Houston, 56, died Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003.
A native of Newport News, he had been a resident of Richmond for 10 years. He
was a Vice President/Merchandise Manager for Peebles, Inc. Don was a member of
First Baptist Church of Newport News. He graduated from Newport News High School
in 1964 and Old Dominion University in 1969. His parents, Luke Miller and
Marjorie Harcum Houston, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife,
Jeanette P. Houston; two sons, Kory A. Houston and Brock A. Houston; two
daughters, Amy Roth and Jessica Allen-Dueweke and her husband, Chad; one
brother, Robert L. Houston, his wife Tracy, and their son, Greg Mestre; four
grandchildren, Jahna, Christin, Jordan and Madison; his best friends, Karen and
Marvin Evans; and many other family members (aunt, uncles, nephews, nieces and
cousins). The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, at
Peninsula Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov.
4, at First Baptist Church by the Rev. Dr. James White. Burial will follow in
Peninsula Memorial Park. Following the funeral the family will receive friends
at the home of Bob and Tracy Houston. Don cared for all his friends and family
(foremost Jeanette and his brother Bob) who shared his darkest moments as well
as the best. He was a loving father and grandfather and always wanted personal
success for each one. To know him was to love him...his love was always
unconditional. His death will leave a huge void in this world but fits oh so
nicely into heaven. We were not ready to let him go but rejoice that he is with
God.
Published in the Daily Press on 11/3/2003.
| Don was a delightful person. He was humorous and entertaining. I regret Jeanette and his family has lost him at such a young age. But he is in good hands. |
| Cookie Tyndall
(Seaford, VA ) November 5, 2003 tyndallm@hotmail.com |
| Jeanette, When I heard of Don's passing I couldn't believe it. It seems like yesterday when we were all young and having a good time at the fraternity house. I'll always remember Don and "Glowworm". In fact I find myself over the pass 30 some years singing "Glowworm" from time to time. Julian |
| Julian Frye
(Hampton, VA ) November 5, 2003 fryejd@efdlant.navfac.navy.mil |
| Don was my big brother
in Delta Sigma Phi , I will miss him... my thoughts are with his family YITBOS MY brother, god knows your path now Jim Hughes |
| Jim Hughes
(Norfolk, VA ) November 5, 2003 hugsj2@yahoo.com |
| Don watched my family grow up and stayed in contact with my father Dana.I have many memories of the times he worked with my father. My prayers are with the family. God be with you. |
| Dina Chekan/Neider
(Bristow, VA ) November 4, 2003 |
| Jeanette I was greatly moved to learn of Don’s passing. I have been trying to remember went we last met. Perhaps not since our college days. We enjoyed many wonderful times together, living together in the House and sharing in many activities, including “Glowworm”. Don helped me get the first job I ever had, at Nachman’s. He was a true friend, and though I have not seen him in decades, the loss is still keenly felt. May the Lord bless you and keep you. John |
| John Frye
(Woodbridge, VA ) November 4, 2003 merlnfry@aol.com |
| Rube & I talked with Don & Jeanette @ the funeral home the night of visitation for Tracy's father. We wish Jeanette & the entire Houston family & friends our sympathy. May God take care of you & watch over you in this most difficult time. |
| Rube & Judith Brett
(Newport News, VA ) November 4, 2003 |
| Jeanette, We are so sorry to hear about Don/Peepaw. He was such a kind person who will be missed. Please don't hesitate to call us if you need anything, we are more than willing to do anything to try to help you get through this. Fondly, Jack, Jennifer, Mallorie and Kate |
| Jennifer Whaley
(Richmond, VA ) November 4, 2003 |
| Jeanette, Carl & I are deeply saddened to learn of your great loss. Don had such an amazing impact on every life he touched. He will always hold a very special place in our hearts. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All our love, Tammie & Carl |
| Tammie & Carl
Eldred (Tallahassee, FL ) November 4, 2003 theldred@msn.com |
| Jeanette, I was so sorry to read of Donald's untimely death. One of my best memories was the two of you at our last reunion when you both were so happy. My deepest sympathy to your family. |
| Linda L. Lane
(Williamsburg, VA ) November 3, 2003 |
| Dear Jeannette -- I am just brokenhearted for you, your family, your friends and for me. I pray that God's peace and mercy will surround you and comfort each one of you. Please know that you are in my prayers. (I'll be home in NN around November 9.) God bless each one of you. My love to you, Shirley Mae |
| Shirley Mae Gratto
(Atlanta, GA ) November 3, 2003 |
| So sorry to hear about Donald. He was in many of my classes and always friendly and nice. Sincerely, Jean (Poole) Burton |
| Jean Burton
(Portsmouth, RI ) November 3, 2003 |
| On behalf of the
entire membership of the Southeastern Shoe Travelers Association I send our
deepest sympathy to the family of Don. He will be greatly missed as a friend
of all the shoe travelers. Laura Conwell-O’Brien Executive Director Southeastern Shoe Travelers |
| Southeastern Shoe
Travelers Association (Atlanta, GA ) November 3, 2003 |
| Don was a true friend to me as a sales representative for Rockport Shoe Co. Don took the time to attend my daughter Perry Payne's cabaret show in New York a few years ago, and sat with wife Vivian during the show. Heaven is lucky to have Don! |
| Dan, Vivian, &
Family Payne (Lynchburg, (24503-2414), VA ) November 3, 2003 dapayne2@aol.com |
| Don was a sincere, caring individual. He was my first Merchandise Manager when I joined the Peebles team as Asst. Buyer of Juniors. He showed me the ropes and helped me to grow as a buyer. He loved his grandchildren so very much and he was always proud to show off his prized photos. Everybody loved Don and he will be missed. |
| Becky Bagley
(Kenbridge, VA ) November 3, 2003 |
| JEANETTE & FAMILY, IT IS SO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE TO ONE OF THE NICEST PEOPLE WE HAVE KNOWN FOR THE PAST 5 1/2 YEARS. WHEN WE MOVED INTO OUR HOME 5 YEARS AGO OUR REALTOR TOLD US ABOUT OUR GOOD NEIGHBORS NEXT DOOR AND HOW WE WOULD ENJOY LIVING THERE AND IT HAS BEEN JUST THAT. DON WILL BE MISSED MOST OF ALL BY US BECAUSE HE WAS ALWAYS DOING SOMETHING TO HELP RUDY AND ME AND IT WILL BE STRANGE NOT HAVING THAT PLEASANT SMILE OR JUST A WAVE OF HIS HAND. BUT I KNOW GOD IS TAKING CARE OF HIM AND KNOW THAT HE WILL STILL BE LOOKING DOWN ON YOU, THE GIRLS AND THE CHILDREN. HE WAS TRULY A GOOD FRIEND. IF THERE IS ANYTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO ASK US. WE WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR PRAYERS AND PRAY THAT GOD WILL GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO SUSTAIN. YOURS SINCERELY, AVA, RUDY, NICKI AND THE GIRLS (YOUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS!) |
| AVA YATES
(RICHMOND, VA ) November 3, 2003 |
| My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. If you need ANYTHING PLEASE let me know. |
| Cindy Earhart
(Chesterfield, VA ) November 3, 2003 leadanimal@netzero.net |
| Sorry to hear of your great loss. Don was a terrific person and we enjoyed our encounters with him. We both work here at Peebles with Don. Praying that you will find comfort in the word of the Lord. |
| Edward & Carolyn
Blackwell (Boydton, VA ) November 3, 2003 cblackwell@peebles.com |