Kenneth Frank Houston

Kenneth Frank Houston, age 76, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 23rd, 2023.

Ken was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 15th, 1947 to Florence (Alchanowski) and Frank W. Houston, a career US Army officer. He grew up as a typical Army Brat, moving frequently to places including Japan, Germany, and from coast to coast in the US.

Ken graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1969, where he was commissioned an Army officer. Following graduation, he received an assignment as a land clearing company commander in Vietnam. The Army later assigned Ken to Auburn University to study International Relations. His military service included 10 years on active duty and another 7 years in the reserves, where he attained the rank of Major.

After leaving the military, Ken began a 25-year sales career in the packaging industry. He retired in 2004 after having risen through the ranks of two Fortune 500 corporations. Although officially retired, Ken kept busy at several other “second” careers in the following years.

Ken enjoyed many things in life, and he never met a stranger. Ken loved to talk incessantly, especially after enjoying a few of his favorite adult beverages. He was somewhat technologically challenged but managed later in life to own an iPhone which he never, ever understood how it worked. Ken died knowing that Gone with the Wind was the best movie ever made, General George Patton was the baddest man on the planet, and Mexican chili beans were the best food ever.

Ken was married to the love of his life, Susan, for 34 years. Ken is survived by Susan and children Wendy (Chuck) Safrit, William Kenneth “Bill” (Yalile) Houston, and Jeffrey (Lisa) King, brother Rob (Deb) Houston, grandchildren R Cook, Hayden, Vivien, Cheyenne, Sarah, Alex, and Raechel, as well several nephews, nieces, and cousins. He especially loved his grandchildren, often taking them on adventures during visits.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful doctors and nurses at the Salisbury Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Rowan Regional Medical Center for their kind and compassionate care during Ken’s final days.

Service: 2:00 PM Monday, July 31, 2023 at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury, NC 28144.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ken’s memory to the American Cancer Society (Donate Today | The American Cancer Society).

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