Columbus
Kenneth E. Houser, age 89, beloved husband of the late Norma E. Ziegler Houser and beloved father of Paul and Ellen, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2015, at Franciscan St. Francis Health in Indianapolis. He was born October 17, 1926, in Indianapolis to the late Howard and Virginia Westfall Houser.
He was a graduate of Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis and served in the U.S. Naval Reserve after World War II. After service, he attended Indiana University where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. On March 13, 1954, he married Norma Ziegler in Indianapolis and they became residents of Columbus in 1958.
He was a devout Christian and longtime member of First United Presbyterian Church in Columbus. In more recent years he and his wife attended First United Methodist Church.
Having worked briefly for the Monon Railroad during his youth, he was a recognized rail transportation historian, with a particular love for interurban rail history. In his professional life, he was respected for his knowledge of metallurgy. He was also an accomplished amateur photographer, Civil War buff and cat lover.
Survivors include his son, Paul (Mary) Houser of Lafayette; daughter, Ellen (David) Alarie of Milford, Ohio; and grandchildren, Laura Houser, Christopher Houser and Kelly (MacKenze) Miller, all of the Lafayette area. He was preceded in death by his wife Norma, his parents, and a brother, John Houser of Middletown, Ohio.
Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church, 618 Eighth St. in Columbus.
In keeping with Kenneth’s wishes, private inurnment will be at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
You are invited to light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the Internet.
