Obituary of Charles “Chuck” Houser

Charles “Chuck” Houser, born June 13, 1932 to Bryce and Treva Houser, nee Hansen, of Warsaw, Indiana, died peacefully in the early hours of July 26, 2020 in Gainesville, Florida.  Loving brother of Anita (Roland “Bud”) Cantway and father of Craig (Michele) Houser, Chris (Carolyn) Houser and Carrie (Steve) Johnson.   He will be greatly missed by grandchildren, Britt, Alex, Cole & Chase (Craig) and Luke & Zane (Chris) and nephew, Michael & Aruni Cantway and children, Hayley & Mitchell.  He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S Navy.  After Chuck was discharged from the Navy, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1958 and spent a career in retailing where his keen business sense and winning personality served him well beginning with Lazarus Department Store in Columbus, Ohio and ending with True Value Hardware (Cotter & Co), Chicago.

Chuck lived life to the fullest.  Always smiling and positive, he was liked by all who knew him.  He loved Indiana University basketball, auto racing, boating and taking cruises. But he loved his family most of all.   Raised as a Methodist, Chuck demonstrated his faith by devoting himself to his children and grandchildren. Chuck’s support, enthusiasm and love was second to none and his presence at countless family and sporting events will be a lasting memory for them all.   He will be greatly missed. 

The family will be having committal services at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 10:30 AM.   A video of the ceremony will be available on-line at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/828223005.  Navy honors will be presented, there might be a delay in the stream due to reception at the cemetery. The family and the cemetery will be observing social distancing at Chuck’s services with the Navy, friends are welcome to attend and celebrate Chuck’s life.