John Roy Houston

John Roy Houston, 89, of Sedalia, MO, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center in Sedalia.

He was born on November 7, 1935, in Calhoun, MO, the son of Herbert Houston and Mary Mildred (Duvall) Houston, who preceded him in death.

On April 2, 1954, in Sedalia, he was united in marriage to Carol Ann Wood, who preceded him in death on October 21, 2024. Together, they shared 70 years of marriage filled with love, faith, and devotion to their family.

John was a proud graduate of Smith-Cotton High School, Class of 1953. During his school years, he worked for Colie Ervin as a fry cook, traveling to state fairs across the Midwest with a food trailer - a job that led him to meet his beloved Carol. After graduation, he worked for Pittsburgh Corning for a short time before beginning his lifelong career at Rival Manufacturing. He dedicated 38 years to the company, retiring at age 57 as Plant Manager of the Sweet Springs facility. Following his retirement, John continued to serve others through volunteer work at Sedalia Open Door Ministries.

Faith played a central role in John's life. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church and previously served at New Hope Baptist Church and Olive Branch Baptist Church. Over the years, he faithfully shared his gifts as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Children's Church Leader, and Royal Ambassadors Leader.

John found joy in simple pleasures - gardening, fishing, playing softball, working cattle, and putting together puzzles, especially mechanical ones. Holidays were always a special time for him, as he treasured gathering with his family to celebrate and make memories together.

John's greatest pride was his family. He is survived by four children: Herbert Roy Houston (Susan), Lanny Brian Houston (Penny), Cynthia Rae Anderson (Paul), and Tracy Lynn Houston (Kristi), all of Smithton and Sedalia. He will also be lovingly remembered by eight grandchildren - Agusta, Leslie, Aaron, Kelsey, Joe, Alyssa, Kyle, and Brittany; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by two sisters, Sandra Kerns and Carolyn Kriesler, and one brother, Larry Houston.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 22, 2025, at Rea Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Travis Battershell officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the funeral home.

John will be laid to rest at Salem Cemetery in Smithton, MO. Serving as pallbearers will be Joe Anderson, Aaron Houston, Kyle Houston, Kelsey Houston, Jeremy Renfro, and Zachary Anderson. Doug Cribelar and Paul Owens will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Bethany Baptist Church or the Salem Cemetery Fund, in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.