Carl E Houchins

Carl E. Houchins, 75, of Fulton, died on Monday, August 31, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Callaway County on May 30, 1945, the youngest of nine boys, to Robie and Goldie (Mumford) Houchins. He is survived by his wife, Peggy; two daughters, Jondell Ritchie (Chad) of Gulf Breeze, Fla. and Julie Weston (Terry) of Jefferson City; two sons, Steve Otradovec (Lucy) of Colorado Springs, Colo. and John Otradovec (Keisha) of Kansas City, Mo.; one grandson, James Houchins; five granddaughters, Nicole Ahne (Marissa), Chloe Weston, Madison Ritchie, Hannah Otradovec, and Autumn Otradovec; one great-granddaughter, Samara Houchins; two brothers, John Houchins and Harold Houchins; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and six of his brothers, Bill, Jack, Riley, Everett, Finis, and Lawrence "Shorty". Carl or "DoBob" as he was affectionately known to his close friends and family, served in the Navy from 1963-1966, as an Aviation Electronics Technician (Radar). He was assigned to VF-102 at NAS Oceana, Virginia and deployed on the USS AMERICA (CVA 66) during its maiden deployment to the Mediterranean. He returned to Fulton after his discharge and began working for the University of Missouri - Columbia as a Research Maintenance Technician. After his retirement from the University, he began his "dream" job of being a blackjack dealer at the new Casino boat in Boonville. He spent the majority of his life in Callaway County and loved this community. He founded the Millersburg Lions Club in 1976, and remained a lifelong member serving in various positions, as well as being a fixture at the numerous Turkey Shoots, Fish Fries, and other events for the community. He was active in the Millersburg 4-H for several years and instructed many young people in the fine art of raising sheep. An avid hunter and gun aficionado, he was proud to be a part of the annual Bianchi Cup, serving as a Range Officer and the Chief Range Officer for many years. A two-time cancer survivor, he loved reading, western shows, his dogs, and his family. He will be dearly missed. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2020, at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton. Friends will be received from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will be at Laughlin Cemetery Camdenton following the service. The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to the First Assembly of God Church and the Millersburg Lions Club, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Boulevard, Fulton, MO 65251. Condolences may be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com.