Andrew Edward Houston

Andrew Edward Houston, 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Monday, January 30, 2023, in Houston, Texas, after living a very active and fulfilling life. Andy was born on Sunday, February 19, 1933, on a family farm outside Dunlap, Iowa, to James and May Houston. He graduated from Dunlap High School, after attending St. Joseph Catholic School for most of his childhood. Andy went on to get a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and graduate from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1955. During his schooling, he met his future wife, Karen Smith of Dow City, Iowa, and they married on January 16, 1954. They settled in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and were blessed with seven children. Andy and Karen built an incredible life together, centered on family, a strong Catholic faith, and spending time together in the the outdoors. He was a man who enjoyed teaching his children – whether that be about the stock market or how to go about fixing anything and everything. Together, the family camped, boated, picnicked, and traveled America together. Andy had a successful, 40-year career in the consumer packaged goods industry, working at Standard Brands, Butter-Nut Coffee, and Coca-Cola. His job with Coca-Cola moved the family from the Midwest to Houston, Texas, in 1971, and he retired from Sysco in 1994. Following his retirement, Andy continued to find joy in being with friends and family. Whether at their beach house on Galveston Island, Texas, or gathering nieces and nephews together in Omaha, he was at his best when surrounded by family. Travel was often built around being there for family milestones, including weddings, births, graduations, and religious celebrations. Within their neighborhood, Andy and Karen were part of a Gourmet Group, sharing food and memories with friends for 45 years. They were members of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston, and Andy was an active member of the Catholic Men's group. Preceding Andy in death are his parents, James and Mary (May) Houston; his wife of 66 years, Karen; daughter, JoAnn; brothers, J.R. and Joseph (Helen) Houston; and sister, Lorreta (Vic) Bonham; son-in-law, Morris Phillips. Arrangements to be determined. Interment to be at a later date at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Dunlap, Iowa. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Dunlap, Iowa.