Patriot Guard Riders

Honor Mission

William (Bill) John Houston Jr., Retired, Veteran

USA USN – Vietnam
Paso Robles, California – 04-06-19

William (Bill) John Houston Jr.September 3, 1931-March 11, 2019. At a young age, William convinced his parents into signing the release form and proceeded to run off to join the Merchant Marines! Before going to college, he served in the Army for 3 years in Counter Intelligence at the Pentagon. He then chose to follow his academic studies. In 1966, he joined the Navy and went on active duty as their Chaplain. He served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. First, from 1967 to 1968, he served with the Marines during the TET Offensive. After that, he returned for a second tour to Vietnam serving on a destroyer. After Vietnam, Bill continued his career with the Navy, moving with his family around the United States and even abroad for a tour in Sicily, Italy and Okinawa, Japan. He retired from the Navy in 1986. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a beloved member of the Central Coast community. He was preceded to glory by his first wife of 57 years, Mary Houston. He is survived by his second wife of almost 4 years, his son and his wife, his daughter and her husband, and two grandchildren. For the past 4 years, they lived in Templeton together, enjoying new restaurants and vacation spots, and Bill introduced her to his love of the SLO Symphony, the Scottish Society and The Estrella Warbird Museum. As many know, Bill always had a heart to serve his country. and he and Mary took up residence on the Central Coast in Cayucos, California at the property which has been in his family since the early 1950’s and in Templeton, California at the house that he and Mary lived in toward the end of both of their lives. For the past 30 years, Bill has been active in the community, always excited to participate in Veterans events, parades and social groups. He was honored to be included in local events like the “Blessing of the Fleet” and the “Lost at Sea” services. He was an active participant in groups like the Military Order of the World Wars, Military Officers Association of America and the American Legion. Bill will be remembered by so many near and far. He was that guy you ran into at a restaurant or in the park while wearing his veterans’ hat, he would give you a pat on the back, a thumbs up and say “Go Navy” with a big smile!

Estrella Warbird Museum

4251 Dry Creek Rd
Paso Robles, California 93446
Map

John Buckley

RC in training

buckley2431@sbcglobal.net

Asst: John Archuleta, 45jarchuleta@gmail.com

Briefing: 10:15

Flag line: 10:30 with full Military Honors to follow.

Please bring your flags.