Obituaries

Donald “Don” Carl Houghton, 80

March 12, 2024

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.

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Condolences to the Family

May 26, 2024

Just learned of Don’s passing. We first met when we were both working for the Tyler subsidiary of Combustion Engineering and the many years later our paths crossed when he was the CEO of Reeb and I was president of Fypon, a supplier. Enjoyed playing golf with Don, a man of integrity and great humor.
Len Boesger

March 26, 2024

Kay and family–So very sorry to hear about Don’s passing. I remember the entire Houghton family as very supportive and positive members of the Conestoga Valley school community. Although it was some years ago, I truly appreciated and valued our time together. From your friends at Conestoga Valley, may I offer you our deepest sympathies, Gerry Huesken, Retired Superintendent of Schools

March 20, 2024

Kay and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences. It was a pleasure to know Don over the years. While I was technically there to help him, Don always shared his persepctives about success in business and leadership; always doing so in a way that showed he genuinely cared. He was truly one of a kind.
-David Gasperack

March 19, 2024

Dearest Kay, Deb, Kim and Kelly,
So remembering the many, many times the Houghton and Clair families paths crossed during school years. Don was always so welcoming and friendly. We all shared many interests and enjoyed plesant times. Our three girls…and your three girls!
Our condolences to each of you and pray that all your wonderful memories forever keep him close to you. A life well lived.
Be at peace,Anne Clair

March 19, 2024

Through my son Dan Schaffer, t became acquainted with Don. I admired him very much and appreciated he character, style of being and integrity. I am sad for the family, having lost Don on the physical plain, but I assume your good memories of him, will eventually replace the grief of loss, and that you will be fortified by all those years that your life and his intersected .
Rev. Frank Schaffer

March 18, 2024

Don was a friend and a gentleman of integrity and warmth. I’m sad to hear of his passing, but heartened that he knew where he would end up. May our Lord and Savior give His Peace to Don’s family and comfort them.
Fin Livingston

March 17, 2024

Dear Kay and family:
Will remember fondly the times we shared at LCC.
Don was always a fair and challenging competitor in tennis and golf.
With deepest sympathy.
Ron and Dee

March 17, 2024

Kay, I’m so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I didn’t know him well, but did enjoy his company a few times during celebrations with our mutual friends, the Anthons. My thoughts and prayers go to your family during this sad time. Ed Fuller

March 16, 2024

Don Houghton was one of the nicest, smartest, funnest guys I ever met! We met once a year at Dewey Beach, DE for 40 years. I will always cherish the time we spent sharing a drink (or 2!!) on the top deck at Dewey and solving the problems of the world. Congratulations Don on a life well lived!! All who knew and loved you will miss you terribly. Daniel S. Lankford Sr.

March 16, 2024

Don is one of the people I have admired for such a long long time. I have known Kay and Don since high school, where he was the president of our senior class at NAHS. Another clasmate and I had the pleasure of lunch with Don, several years ago. We found him unchanged from the polite, informed and articulate young man. we knew so long long ago. He spoke so very highly of his wife and their children and how very proud of them…… Scooter

March 16, 2024

Hello Kim, I am very sorry to hear about your father and my condolences to you and your family. Love Fran Peterson, Chuck’s mom

March 16, 2024

Dear Kay and family, I’m so sorry for your lost. He of course was a classmate at North Allegheny and we will always remember his leadership as class President. We are greatful for his service to our country. May God Bless you and your family at this time of lost. Jerry White NA Class of 61

March 16, 2024

Kay, and family..you have my deepesy sympathy, Don was one of the greatest and cordial guy i’ve ever met, He will watching over now, he will be in my prayers. John Ator

March 15, 2024

To Kay and the Houghton family,
I had the pleasure working with Don for many years. Don and Ron Taylor were my sales managers from the start of my career at Reeb Millwork. Don never got flustered or upset, always the calm one in the room. I loved that. Don was always interested in my family and children, we talked about family often.
These were times prior to cell phones, and emails, many memo’s were sent via snail mail when you did something that got the approval from mngt. I will always remember Don’s words in the memo, “Well Done!”
I am so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time

Warmest Regards
Tom Pisaneschi

March 15, 2024

For a number of years I sat just outside Don’s office where his was privy to hearing my business and personal phone calls. At the time of the attack on the world trade center my son had just enlisted in the Marine Core, not but one day earlier. At that point my life had changed. Through the next years until Don’s retirement from REEB he never failed to occasionally ask me about my son’s welfare where he was and how he was getting on, as well as making sure as a parent of an active war zone soldier that I was comforted with words of encouragement and to have Faith. Don kept in touch and he always allowed me the privilege of bragging about my Son’s accomplishments. My Son went on to become a US Assistant Attorney General. Don was proud and assured me with a hand on my shoulder to keep the faith. My Son was taken from this life by cancer at the age of 39, almost 2 years ago. Don did not fail to reach out to me and express his heart felt grief but also reminded me to keep the faith and soldier through and remember that I was now needed to take care what my son was not here for, his young family and wife. Don was one of the kindest men I have known in my lifetime. God has received another Angel. May God Bless you and comfort you during this time, rest assured I have faith Don is in good hands.
Charles J. Volkert Sr.

March 15, 2024

To Don’s family and friends.
Don was a woderful person. He touched many lives and helped many in their carrers. Specifically I can speak to mine. Without Don I would not have had the experience or opportunities given me. He was a great mentor and will miss him greatly.
Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us.
Dan Schaffer

March 15, 2024

Please accept my deepest sympathies. I have worked at Reeb Syracuse for 26 years. Mr. Houghton “please call me Don” was a wonderful leader. He was the epitome of a gentleman. We would look forward to Don’s visits to our branch. He was always very friendly and cordial to all co-workers through-out the branch. Titles and positions were never a thought with Don. He treated everyone with great respect.
I pray that the wonderful memeories you have of him will give you great comfort over the weeks to come.
Very Sincerely,
Patty Colvin

March 15, 2024

Many Blessing to the Family of Mister Houghton. I am sorry for your Loss. Don was a great person to work for. Thank you very much sir!
Ron Reinbold

Visitation: Thursday, March 21, 2024; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Highland Presbyterian Church; 500 E. Roseville Road; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Thursday, March 21, 2024; 11:00 AM; Highland Presbyterian Church; 500 E. Roseville Road; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >