Edward Clyde Houk, formerly of Paris Michigan, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side, March 17, 2016 at the age of 83 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born November 19, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Ed served his country in the US Army, 167th Field Artillery Battalion in Friedburg, Germany in 1955-57. He married Jean Carolyn Rider July 30, 1960 in Bowling Green, Ohio. They started their married life in Toledo, Ohio where Ed was a painter during the day and University of Toledo college student at night. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Accounting the same year their first son graduated from kindergarten. They were blessed with two more children while in Toledo before they ventured north to Paris, Michigan.

Edward was employed by Reed City Power Line Supply Company as a successful salesman and eventually president of the company. He retired in 1995. After retirement, Ed and Jean traveled to many places and planted roots in Manistee and Canadian Lakes, Michigan; Apache Junction and finally Mesa, Arizona, where he could view his cherished Superstition Mountains on a daily basis.

Ed was never more proud of his children, grandchildren, and family. He was known as a kind and dependable friend with a gentle soul. A true gentleman.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Lulu May Houk; his brothers Nelson (Monette) and Royal, and his sisters June Marie and Louise.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Jean Carolyn Rider Houk; his children: Jeff (Libby) Houk of Morrison, CO, Daniel (Jenny) Houk of Pacifica, CA, and Jennifer (Joel) Zmuda of Petersburg, MI; his grandchildren: Bradley and Meghann Zmuda;

his brother Donald (Kathe) Houk and his sister Fern (Leon) Jagielski.

He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Memorial services will be held at St Andrews Episcopal Church, Big Rapids, Michigan on June 25, 2016. Visitation at 10:00am, Funeral Mass at 11:00am. Reception and luncheon to follow at the Big Rapids Elks Lodge, 203 E. Pine Street, Big Rapids.

Memorials may be made to:

St Andrews Episcopal Church (323 S. State St., Big Rapids MI 49307)

The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration (514 S. Mountain Rd., Mesa AZ 85208)

Shriners Hospitals for Children (shrinershospitals.org/donate)

American Heart Association

Or a charity of your choosing.

Share a memory or condolence at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Memorial Mass Saturday, June 25, 2016 11:00 AM St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 323 South State Street Big Rapids,MI 49307