Ret. Chaplain Merle Lee Houska

The Lord called his servant, Ret. Chaplain Merle Lee Houska to his heavenly

home on June 23, 2023.

Services will be at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Polk Street United Methodist Church, 1401 S. Polk. Interment will be in Crestview Memorial Park Cemetery in Wichita Falls, TX. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Merle was born in Elberon, IA on August 30, 1938 from the union of Milo E. and Lucille P. Houska. The family lived on a farm in Elberon, IA and later moved to Belle Plaine, IA where he attended public school until graduating from Bell Plaine High in 1957. The following summer, Merle enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a Communication Officer in Germany, Japan, and the Philippines. He retired from his military career after proudly serving 27 years.

On December 31, 1978, Merle married the love of his life, Vernell who remained his loving wife for nearly 45 happy years until his passing. After his military career, Merle resumed his education at Amarillo College with an Associates Degree in Business followed by a Masters Degree from Wayland Baptist University. Merle received his calling in ministry and began in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, leading congregations in the Northwest Texas area in Wichita Falls, Vernon, Quanah, and Pampa. He later became a Chaplain for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Jordan Baten Unit then the Neal Unit in Amarillo.

Merle was a loving husband and father to Vernell and her 4 sons, Marvin, Melvin, Monroe, and Maury.

He is preceded in death by his sons, Marvin, Melvin, and Monroe; his parents, and brother, Marlon.

Merle is survived by his loving wife, Vernell; sister, Marlus (Marion) Taylor of Wichita Falls, TX; son, Maury (Trina) Robinson; and a host of grandchildren too many to name.

Merle was loved and respected by many and lived a great life serving the Lord.