Donald "Don" Carl Houghton (80) of Lancaster, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Carl and Meredith (Davis) Houghton. Raised in a home that emphasized honesty, integrity and service, Don lived those core values being accepted to and graduating from the United States Naval Academy in June of 1965. Nicknamed "Hoots" in high school, it was here Don continued to pursue Kay Smith who he had had his eye on since third grade. She later became Kay "Hoots" on December 23, 1965.

Upon graduation, Don served in surface warfare from 1965 until 1970 including Vietnam service on the USS Brownson DD-868 and as Executive Officer of the USS Nimble MSO-469. As he traveled around the world, he woke to "Reveille, Reveille, all hands heave out and trice up…". (Later in life, he continued this tradition as the wake-up call for his three daughters, much to their dismay.)

Don's civilian career included engineering, consulting, production/plant management, sales, and marketing primarily in the millwork fabrication and distribution industry. Their seventh and final work move to Lancaster, PA required a commute to Bethlehem which he embraced so he could raise his family in this community he loved. Don served as President of the National Association of Millwork Distributors. After retiring from Reeb Millwork corporation as President and COO in 2013, he remained on their Board of Directors for many years. He also enjoyed volunteering at SCORE, Make a Wish, Power Packs, and Highland Presbyterian Church.

Don most loved spending time with his family especially the traditional family holiday gatherings, hosting Namme and Grampy Camps, coordinating family outings to Navy football games, and attending grandchildren's activities. He loved traveling the world with Kay. Friends were important to Don, and he enjoyed playing Bogie Busters golf and racquet sports at Lancaster County Club, Monday morning breakfasts, Wednesday book club, winter weeks in California, fun in Dewey, and attending Steeler football games.

In addition to his wife, Kay, the love of his life for over 58 years, Don is survived by his children, Debra Kay Lechner (Darren) of Cary, NC, Kimberly Ann Levinson (Marc) of Falls Church, VA, and Kelly Beth Kurtz (David) of Lancaster, PA; his 6 grandchildren, Katherine and Donald Esbenshade, Emily and Kyle Levinson and Tyler and Kayla Kurtz; and his sister, Janet Loughran, of Houston, TX.

(Don's version of this would have been much shorter – something more like "Go Navy, Beat Army", but his daughters had to embellish it as they are so very proud of their Dad.)

The celebration of Don's life will be held on Thursday, March 21st at 11:00am at Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 E. Roseville Road, Lancaster, PA, 17601. Family and friends will be received prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00am. The service will be live streamed at www.youtube.com/@HighlandPresbyterian . Interment will be at Highland at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Highland Presbyterian Church.