Joe Don Houchin's Obituary
Joe “Don” Houchin was born in O’Donnell, Texas on February 22, 1933 to C.L. “Buck” Houchin and Mary “Jo” Pullen Houchin, and passed away at the age of 78 on September 17, 2011 in Lubbock, TX. He is preceded in death by both his parents, daughter – Jena and stepson – Ken. Joe is survived by wife Dee; children – Lanne, Sharla, Donitta, Stacy; stepchildren Chris, Keith, and Curtis; and 11 grandchildren – Anne, Lance, Hillary, Brandon, Heather, Alex, Shelby, Tancy, Chasity, Alyssa and Kyle; 3 step grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren – Bradley, Nathaniel, Deanna, Jordyn, Mattox, Braydyn, Kennedy and Ryan; step great grandchild – Ruby, and 4 siblings – Jerry, Connie, Sammy and Terry. Don served in the United States Navy from 1951 – 1954 receiving an honorable discharge as a Korean War Era Veteran. In the early 1960’s, he worked the farming and ranching business for several years in West Texas. He then became a Juvenile Officer for the Lubbock Police Department. He loved working with children, but became disheartened with the many tragedies he saw on a daily basis. Don was one of the pioneers of the computer industry. Beginning with the new federal social programs in the late 1960’s, he worked with companies like Honeywell, IBM and EDS to develop computerized networks to support the states administration of federally mandated social security, Medicare and Medicaid. The last years of his career were spent in developing computer simulation software that became the foundation platform for future innovations such as video games, laser guided weapons and Star Wars Defense. Don will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Restland Funeral Home – Abbey Chapel.
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