Gerald H. Houston's Obituary
Gerald H. Houston entered peacefully into rest on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the age of 78 years, at his home in DeRidder. Gerald was born on July 10, 1944, in New Orleans, LA to Athel Curtis “A.C.” and Pauline Stephenson Houston.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the chapel of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, starting a 11:00 AM with a visitation starting at 9:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville with military honors. Funeral services under the care and direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder.
Gerald was a proud patriot, serving his country with honor and distinction having served in the Vietnam War. He served in the United States Air Force, then transferred to the United States Army National Guard where he obtained a rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. He loved playing golf and had a passion for music where he excelled in playing many different instruments. He loved to travel to many places and many countries. He was a member of Texas Ave Baptist Church for many years.
Gerald was a selfless man, he put others before him. He devoted his time to many organizations. He was a member of Rosepine Masonic Lodge #290 where he served as Worshipful Master in 2007. He was also a former member of N.H. Bray Lodge #208 and Abe Hineson Lodge #472, serving in many chairs in all three lodges. He was chairman emeritus of the Credentials Committee of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana F&AM, he was also a member of the History Committee for the Grand Lodge. He served as the District Deputy Grand Master of the 8th Masonic District of the Grand Lodge in 2010, after which he was then appointed as Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge. He was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star where he was a member of Pinehurst Chapter #33, Electa Chapter #10, Rosepine Chapter #204 and Pricilla Chapter #58 where he served in many stations, and was Past Patron of Rosepine Chapter. He was Past Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star for the State of Louisiana, serving in 2016 under the Worthy Grand Matron Rovenia McDonald. He was a member of many committees in the Grand Chapter. He was an active member of the National Sojourners, Louisiana Chapter. He was also a member of the Habibi Shrine Temple of Lake Charles and a member of the Barka Shrine in Monroe. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, serving in the Lake Charles Valley and held many offices and distinctions. He was a member of the order of the Red Cross of Constantine, a member of KYCH, and a member of KYCH. He was a member of Fullerton Council #26 of Cryptic Masons, serving as the Illustrious Master in 2007, he as a member of Vernon Chapter #51 of Royal Arch Masons, serving as High Priest in 2008, and was a member of Rhodes Commandry #17 of the order of Knights Templar. In 2015 he served as Grand High Priest for the Grand Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons of the State of Louisiana. He was inducted as a 33rd Degree Master Mason. He will be deeply and greatly missed by his family and all those lives he has touched over the years.
Left to cherish his memory is his son, Jerry Houston of DeRidder; brother, Vernon Houston and wife Linda; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, A.C. and Pauline Houston; wife, Cheryl Ann Walker Houston; brothers, Jeff Glen Houston, Curtis Houston, Delton Houston, and Cordell Houston; sisters, Chris Frazzell, and Audrey Lee.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be the active members of the United States Army Honor Guard.
Those honored to serve as honorary pallbearers will be the members and representatives of the Masonic Lodges, Eastern Star Members, the York Rite Members, and other Masonic Appendant Bodies.
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