Jerry Houchins

Jerry Ray Houchins, age 66, went home to be with the Lord February 3, 2009 in Olathe, KS. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Friday, February 6 at 10:00 a.m. at Hope Alive Christian Center, 9675 W. 159th, Overland Park, KS, where the family will receive friends an hour prior to service time. Interment, Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials are suggested to Faith Christian Family Church, Kidz Ministry, P.O. Box 198, Rushville, IL 62681-0198.
Jerry was born October 29, 1942 in Pleasant Hill, IL to Louis R. and Opal Houchins. He married Margaret Fridel- Kobel on January 4, 1985, and together they made their home in Beardstown, IL for 24 years before moving to the Olathe area in 2008.
Jerry was called to the ministry early on, and served in the Pastorate for over 32 years. He and his wife, Margaret, pastored the Lighthouse Church in Beardstown, IL. He also owned and operated Jerry's A-1 Service in Beardstown, and in his spare time enjoyed raising Missouri Foxtrotter Horses, including the World Grand Champion, Pearls Black George.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret, his children Glenda (David) Willmon, Jerry (Kathy) Houchins, Angela( Steve) Graham, Camellia ( Kevin) White, Daniel Houchins, Karen (Mose) Cox, Gale (Craig) Murphy, Vicki (John) Willman, and Lisa Kobel, 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Opal Houchins, and his sisters Beverly Young and Judy Stine. He was preceded in death by his father, his daughter, Melinda Padilla, and his sister Wilma Young.
Jerry will be remembered as a man of great faith, and that he lived his life with a servant's heart. His compassion, counsel and wisdom will continue to live on in the lives of those he touched.