BANGOR – Jon Holland Houston, 60, died April 15, 2010, at his home, after a long battle with cancer. He was born April 1, 1950, in Bangor, the son of John and Geraldine (Thorpe) Houston. Jon graduated from Bangor High School, Class of 1969, and then attended the University of Maine, Orono. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970 and served in Okinawa, Strategic Communications, during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he attended the University of Maine at Farmington. Jon joined the Army National Guard in 1975 as a UH-1 “Huey” crew chief and mechanic. From 2003 to 2004 he was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait as part of the 112th Medical Company. Jon was hired as a technician at the Army Aviation Support Facility in 1982. He worked on every aircraft assigned to the facility and was extremely proud of the safety record during this time. Upon retirement in 2008, he had almost 38 years of total service. Jon received many accolades in his career, and most proud was his Master Air Crewman Wings, awarded in 1990. He had a wonderful career and many memorable experiences during his tenure. Jon loved fly-fishing, riding his Harley and spending time with all the kids. He tried to live his life to the fullest, loving and laughing. He is survived by his loving wife of nine years, Gena F. (Woodbury) Houston; a son, Paul H. Houston of Holden; a daughter, Shawna M. McAtee and husband, Scott, of Plymouth; a sister, Robin C. Tara of South Portland; a brother, Christopher D., Houston and wife, Mindy, of Chelsea; stepson, Torrey A. Gray and wife, Karin, of Maryland; a stepdaughter-in-law, Brenda Foss of Newport; nine grandchildren, Michelle, Danielle and Ryan McAtee of Plymouth, Ashley, Chandler and Kamryn Foss of Newport, Sydney Jetta Gray of Bangor, Lara and Juliet Gray of Maryland; and special friends, Gary and Nick Sargent. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a stepson, Michael Foss. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 19, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a service of remembrance will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 20, with the Rev Mark Doty, pastor of Hammond Street Congregational Church, officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments after the service at Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor. Interment will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor. Gifts in his memory may be made to Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
JON HOLLAND HOUSTON
