Gerald L. Houck, Sr.

Gerald L.“Jerry”  Houck, Sr. age 78, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away at 8:35 P.M. on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, in his home surrounded by his loving family.  Mr. Houck was a veteran of the United States Army serving in Vietnam.  He had been employed by Dana Weatherhead Division and later Johns Manville, prior to his retirement.  He enjoyed working on cars, fishing and was a dedicated family man who enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids.  He was always “the Boss”.   Gerald L. Houck, Sr. was born on September 25, 1941, in Defiance, Ohio, the son of Lester and Helen (Boff) Houck.  He married Sharon Grimm on July 2, 1981 and she preceded him in death January 5, 2011.   Survivors include four daughters, Tiffany (David Kline) Auch, of Mark Center, Ohio, Debra Salaz, and Lisa Ludemann of Defiance, and Shanda Kunesh, of Continental, Ohio; three sons, John (Shannon) Houck, Sr., of Defiance, Gerald Houck, Jr., of Lima, Ohio, and Todd (Cindy) Speck, of Bryan, Ohio; twenty grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Janet Boyers, of Defiance, and Jane Bowers, of Antwerp, Ohio; his best friend, David Bakle, of Bryan; his “Pancake Lady”, Regina Gallardo, of Defiance; his loving nurse, Brandi Hansen; and his special granddaughter, Emily, who helped him with his journey from this life. He was preceded in death by one sister, Diane Manley; his first wife, Hilda West; a grandson, Brandon Chris Elder;  and two great-granddaughters.   Grave side service will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at 1:00 P.M. in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, with Pastor Eddie Harris officiating.   Grave side military rites will be conducted by Defiance AmVets Post #1991 and the United States Army Honor Guard.   Memorials are requested to American Cancer Society.