The Lord called his servant, Ret. Chaplain Merle Lee Houska to his heavenly
home on June 23, 2023.
Services will be at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Polk Street United Methodist Church, 1401 S. Polk. Interment will be in Crestview Memorial Park Cemetery in Wichita Falls, TX. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.
Merle was born in Elberon, IA on August 30, 1938 from the union of Milo E. and Lucille P. Houska. The family lived on a farm in Elberon, IA and later moved to Belle Plaine, IA where he attended public school until graduating from Bell Plaine High in 1957. The following summer, Merle enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a Communication Officer in Germany, Japan, and the Philippines. He retired from his military career after proudly serving 27 years.
On December 31, 1978, Merle married the love of his life, Vernell who remained his loving wife for nearly 45 happy years until his passing. After his military career, Merle resumed his education at Amarillo College with an Associates Degree in Business followed by a Masters Degree from Wayland Baptist University. Merle received his calling in ministry and began in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, leading congregations in the Northwest Texas area in Wichita Falls, Vernon, Quanah, and Pampa. He later became a Chaplain for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Jordan Baten Unit then the Neal Unit in Amarillo.
Merle was a loving husband and father to Vernell and her 4 sons, Marvin, Melvin, Monroe, and Maury.
He is preceded in death by his sons, Marvin, Melvin, and Monroe; his parents, and brother, Marlon.
Merle is survived by his loving wife, Vernell; sister, Marlus (Marion) Taylor of Wichita Falls, TX; son, Maury (Trina) Robinson; and a host of grandchildren too many to name.
Merle was loved and respected by many and lived a great life serving the Lord.
Condolences to the family. He was a very nice man. We will miss him and Mrs. V being next door. Always the kindest and lovingest couple. We will miss his smile and I will really miss him calling me bud.
Praying for you, Vernell, and your family. Merle was a wonderful man… husband and father… not only to those 4 sons but to many throughout his years as a Chaplin.
Blessings,
Ridge and Margie
He will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful person.
I worked with him for 10 tens years.
I loved seeing him everyday.
MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vernell, praying for comfort during this time for you and your family. Reading his obituary and condolences sent to you it shows he was a very loved man.
Prayers for the family love always the Bennett Family and O’CeAnna Lewis
I got to see him at NWTX after lunch on Sunday, June 18th. He said he just wanted to go home. Last words as I left….God bless you. I will never, ever forget Merle….and our walks together around the Great Hall. What a man of faith. Probably one of the nicest gentleman I have met through the years. He will be hugely missed.
Oh Vernell, my heart hurts for you!. Ken and I are praying for you and the rest of the family.
He will be deeply missed. Such a strong godly man.
Loved his services at the Neal unit. Much love and prayers for the family
Lee encouraged me while I was attaining my Bachelor Degree. I will never forget the conversation on Andrew Drive. Sending prayer to my Godmother, Vernell, and the entire Houska Family.
Merle was always ready to rejoice with those who were rejoicing and weep with those who were weeping; and no matter what condition you were in, you felt loved when you were in his presence. We weep and rejoice at his passing. Praying God’s comfort and blessings for Vernell and family.
May God’s love and grace support you in these days. Your family is loved By many.
Vernell, Marlus and families. So sorry to hear of Merle’s passing. Hugs and prayers
One of the best people I ever met. Merle and Vernell Houska are Saints in my opinion..Thank you Merle, for your service to the community, country, workplace and Family..you influenced many people who were not in the best place in life and that’s a great legacy in and of itself…Rest in Gods Glorifying Graces 🙏🙏🙏
He had such a big heart and was loved by all. I will remember his humor and his unselfish desire to help anyone that needed help no matter where or what time of day, he would be there to help.
My prayers and love are for Vernell
and his family.
He will be sorely missed. Was a great man, and an even greater Chaplin.
So sad to hear the news, Chaplain Houska was an amazing man, thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and coworkers. RIP Chaplain Houska, I will miss seeing you at Market Street and the post office
May your soul rest in peace “Chapulín” 🦗
I am so sorry for your loss. He was such an awesome man ! I worked side by side with him at the Neal Unit. Heaven is rejoicing with his arrival. I love you both so much.
I was blessed to know this wonderful man and his lovely wife. May he rest in peace. We are keeping his family in our prayers.
Rest easy Chaplin. We will take it from here.
Prayers for comfort for Vernell and family, and those who loved him. He was a good man.
Our condolences to the family and friends. Your in our thoughts and prayers. 😘🤗.