Lt. Col. Richard Arthur Houk

A Life of Service, Adventure, and Dedication

Richard Arthur Houk, born on December 2, 1929, in Los Angeles, embarked on a remarkable journey through life, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. The son of George and Eunice Houk, Richard was raised in the vibrant community of San Pedro, California, alongside his brother George. From an early age, he demonstrated a zest for life, immersing himself in a myriad of interests including insect collecting, puppetry, painting, magic, motorcycles, cars, skin diving, body surfing, and playing the clarinet in school, bugle in U.S. Air Force Cadets, and the ukulele.

Richard’s professional life was as varied and distinguished as his personal interests. Compelled by a call to defend his country, he left UCLA before he completed his degree, and dedicated 25 years to active and reserve duty in the Air Force piloting aircraft such as the F-86, T-6, C-120, C-124, and C-130, and achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His commitment to education was equally impressive. After his marriage to Gwen and during his military career he returned to school, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Sacramento. Richard became an aerospace engineer at Aerojet, evaluating and testing rocket systems and contributing to the Titan II missile program. He furthered his education with a Master of Arts in Behavioral Science, which led to a 15-year teaching career in math and science at junior high and high schools in the Grant School District.

 Upon retiring, Richard continued his quest for knowledge and service. He pursued a three-year course of study in Vedanta and Sanskrit language with his wife, Gwen, and daughter, Kristi, in the serene Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains. Returning to California, he actively participated in various groups, including The Renaissance Society at California State University, Sacramento, Life Long Learners at UC Santa Cruz, the Daedalians for retired military pilots, Sons in Retirement (SIRs), and the California Retired Teachers Association (Cal RTA) Division 75. He also served on the boards of the Retired Teachers Scholarship Foundation (RTSF) and Student Buddy Program, which mentored at risk youth.

 Richard’s legacy is carried on by his beloved wife of 68 years, Gwendolyn Houk, whom he met on a blind date and shared adventures in camping and exploring other countries. His legacy is also carried on in his daughter Kristi Parnham (Tom Parnham), son Dan Houk (Teresa), and daughter Karen Houk (Keith Doubleday); as well as eight grandchildren, Danny (Stacie), Ryan (Kristina), Timothy (Kate), Marie (Darick), Kimberly (Matt), Christopher (Marissa), Lindsey, Jennifer, and 13 great-grandchildren. His life was a testament to love, dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to service.

October 7, 2024 at 9:30 AM a military honors service will be held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California