BOURBON – Ralph Edward Houghton, 90, passed away at 12:40 p.m. Sept. 30, 2013, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw. He was born Nov. 8, 1922, in South Bend, to Frank and Alma Poff Houghton, who are deceased. He was united in marriage to Zulema Delilah Carroll, who survives. They celebrated 71 years of marriage this year. He faithfully served his country during World War II, from Jan. 1943 to Nov. 1945, in the U.S. Army as a sergeant in the Northern France Central Europe campaigns under the command of Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was wounded in Brest, France, Aug. 27, 1944. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars for meritorious achievement in ground combat against the armed enemy during World War II in Northern France. He received the Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. He is also an Honoree Charter Member of the World War II Museum in New Orleans, La. He was a very happy, loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He loved to laugh and to tell jokes and he was a great traveler with his life-long wife, companion and friend, Zulema. He was part-owner and dedicated worker at the Pyramid Oil Company, Etna Green, for many years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Etna Green and an Etna Green Volunteer Fireman for numerous years. He also belonged to the Masonic Lodge, Ancient Scottish Rites and the American Legion. Surviving is his wife, Zulema; two daughters, Dianna (and spouse Dean) Holderman, Bremen, and Connie (and spouse Roger) Armey, Warsaw; a son, Rick (and spouse Delia) Houghton, Paw Paw, Mich.; a sister, Shirley Houghton, of La Habra, Calif.; grandchildren: of Dianna and Dean: Lori, Tammy, Christopher, Cheri and Tara; children of Connie and Roger: Michelle, Melissa, Scott, Kristy, Kimberly and Kayla; and children of Rick and Delia; Steven, Amy, Rebecca and Mark: spouses of the grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and his special kittens, Chloe and Molly. He was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Houghton Singleton ( and spouse Vance). No services are planned. Deaton Clemens Funeral Home is caring for the arrangements. ***** Memorials to the United Methodist Church of Etna Green. Condolences may be sent via deatonclemensfh.com
