William Robert Houchins

William "Bill" Robert Houchins, 93, of Fulton, passed away Sunday, September 25, 2016, at Harry S. Truman Veterans Community Living Center in Columbia. Bill was a lifelong resident of Callaway County. He was born on April 9, 1923, in Calwood, Missouri, the son of the late Robie Roberts Houchins and the late Florence (Salmons) Houchins. On April 29, 1950 Bill was united in marriage to Christine (Garrett) Houchins. She survives his passing. Bill was a veteran of World War II, where he earned several medals, including the Purple Heart, four Bronze Stars, Good Conduct medal, Eastern Campaign Ribbon and four Overseas Bars; resulting from battles and campaigns in Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno and Po Valley, Italy. He took his basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, 1st Army Division. Bill proudly served in the United Stated Army from February 1943 until November of 1945. Bill was a graduate of Sheets School District #42 of Callaway County. At age 14, he began working at Federal Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, Mexico, Mo. He was a dedicated, hard worker, starting his career at International Shoe Factory, and later with Holland Trucking Co. He was a gasoline distributor for over 30 years with Frame Oil Co. and later retired from Daniels International, Reform, Mo. where he was a member of the Teamsters Union. In addition Bill was a part-time school bus driver for Fulton Public Schools. In his later years Bill enjoyed transporting cars for local car dealerships. Bill was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting, especially with local coyote hunters. He was an active member of the local V.F.W. Post 2657 where he volunteered often and had a passion for helping others. Bill loved NASCAR and often attended local stock car races. Bill truly valued people, not things, he expressed this by making numerous visits to anyone in need. Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife of 66 years; daughter, Ramona "Mona" Elliott (Ron); granddaughter, Nicole Elliott of Fulton; brothers, John Houchins (Faye), Gene Houchins (Marcella) and Carl Houchins (Peggy); sister-in-law, Linda Houchins; brothers-in-law, Harley Garrett (Fay) and Travis Garrett (Sharon); sister-in-law, Pauline Kroell and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Jack, Riley, Everett, Finis and Lawrence Houchins. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton with Reverend Gary Garrett officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in Callaway Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. Memorial donations are suggested to V.F.W. Post 2657 Building Fund, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Boulevard, Fulton, MO 65251. Condolences can be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com.