James O. Houk, age 79 of Clinton, Missouri passed away Saturday, August 18, 2012 at Missouri Veterans Home, Warrensburg, Missouri. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 23, 2012 at Vansant-Mills Funeral Chapel with interment in Maplewood Cemetery, Brownington, Missouri. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 22, 2012 7:00-8:00 P.M. also at the Chapel. Family suggests memorial contributions to the Missouri Veterans Home, Warrensburg and can be left at funeral home. Condolences and fond memories may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.



James served in the Army during the Korean conflict. He worked as a diesel mechanic. He was a member of the National Rifle Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Margie Lightle, brother Edward Ray Houk, great-grandson Joey Cook, grandaughter Emily Cone, and a son, Kenneth B. Houk.

Survivors include his children, James Dale Houk and wife, Kathy of Springhill, Tennessee, Janet Crouch and husband, Mark of Windsor, Missouri, Steven R. Houk and wife, Christy and Michael L. Houk and wife, Cindy, all of Clinton, Missouri, Kaylene M. Cone and husband, Mark of Osceola, Missouri, Lori B. Houk of Deepwater, Missouri, and Larry D. Houk and wife, Lelia of Montrose, Missouri; 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers Denver Houk and Kenneth Houk, both of Deepwater, Missouri; one sister, Janice Hamby of Dillon, Montana; his children's mother, Karen Etter and his children's aunt, Evelyn McKellips as well as a number of nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.