Del Houser

May 24, 1932 – November 14, 2010

Delmer C. Houser, Sr., resident of Ponca City, passed away Sunday, November 14, 2010, at Ponca City Medical Center.  He was 78.

The service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ with Mr. Don Huddleston, officiating.  Burial followed at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ponca City, OK.  Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Delmer was born on  May  24, 1932 to Ted P. Houser and  Anna Mae Hasley Houser  in Lawton, OK. He was married to Catherine Teresa Malone September 1, 1951 In Philadelphia, PA.  During  that union five children were born, Delmer Jr., Philip, James, Elizabeth and William.

He joined the United States Navy in 1949. He served during the WW II  Victory Campaign, Korean and Vietnam Wars. “Chief” Houser retired in 1972 after  23 years of distinguished service.  He began his next career in the Telecommunications Industry.  After retiring from Southwestern Bell Communications and Southern New England Communications,  he continued to work as a consultant and contractor in the industry, until retiring to care for his terminally ill wife, Catherine.

Delmer “Cole” was an avid poker player. He enjoyed playing cards, car shopping , fishing,  golfing, and spending time with his family..

One of his greatest gifts and pleasures in life was teaching. He was a great educator, whether as an instructor in the military, private industry  or while teaching his grandchildren and great grandchildren,  he never stopped.  

During his final years, Delmer explored many methods to fight the terminal cancer he had been diagnosed with. He made many new friends across the country and became an advocate for the care and treatment of military men who acquired cancer during their years of service.

He married Lupe (Bazaldua) Garroutte  on April 15, 2005 in Wichita, Kansas.   

He is survived by his loving wife Lupe Houser of the home; son, Philip Houser  and wife Susan  of Ponca City, OK; son, James Houser  of Perkins, OK; daughter, Elizabeth Cochrane and husband John of Ponca City, OK; and son William Houser of Tulsa, OK; step daughters, Nancy Alderete and husband Lee of Ponca City, OK; Laura Medina and husband Victor of Wichita, KS; Sandy Willey and husband Russ of Ponca City, OK; brother Ted Houser and wife Violetta of New Mexico, brother Don Houser and wife Shirley of Eufala, OK; sister Joyce Thomas and husband Paul of Moore, OK. Twenty grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, and  ten nieces and  nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Catherine Teresa Houser; son, Delmer Houser, Jr.; parents Ted and Anna Mae Houser; and one grandson Jacob Houser, sister Betty Settlemyre; nephew Mark Thomas.

Casketbearers will be Kevin Hagerdon, John Cochrane, James Houser, Philip Houser, Will Houser, Jay Cochrane, and Jesse Houser.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 1904 N. Union Street, Ste. 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.