Leonard E. Houghton, 95, of Elizabethton, Tenn., went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, from his residence. A native of Cattaraugus, N.Y., he had lived and worked in Elizabethton for many years and was the son of the late Merrill and Edith Pike Houghton. Leonard retired as a shipping clerk with Great Lakes Research Corporation. He was a member of Unaka Baptist Church where he was always doing work for the church and served as deacon for many years. He was named as deacon emeritus by his church. Leonard was known as a truly exceptional man.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several beloved family members.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 69 years, Betty Houghton, of the home; his children, Richard E. Houghton and wife Jean, Judy A. Dingus, Thomas M. Houghton, all of Elizabethton, Cynthia F. Armstrong and husband Marvin of Ohio and Mary Santoso and husband Budi of Michigan; 16 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a sister, Alice Hadley and husband Peter of New York; and a sister-in-law, Nadine Houghton of New York. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to honor the life of Leonard E. Houghton will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, February 20, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services with Rev. Walker Roberson and Rev. Stephen Greene officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, prior to the funeral service, or at the residence at other times. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, February 21, in the Wilson Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be selected from family. Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Dingus, Ryan Stamey and the deacons of Unaka Baptist Church. Everyone will meet at the cemetery at 9:50 a.m. Friday for the graveside service. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Unaka Baptist Church, 1598 Highway 91, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be sent to the family and viewed by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.
Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to serve the Houghton family. Office: (423) 543-4433.