(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)John Franklin Houk, Jr., age 94, of Joplin, MO, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026 at Aspire Senior Living in Webb City.
John was born on September 9, 1931 in Carthage, MO, to the late union of John Houk Sr. and Georgia (Greninger) Houk. After graduating from high school, John served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1950 until 1954. In 1955, he married Marjorie Jane Deaver and together they were blessed with 66 years of marriage before her passing in 2022.
After his military service, John began working for Universal CIT from 1955 to 1967. He then went on to work at W.R. Grace from 1967 until 1972. In 1972, John opened up his own business “Houk’s Heating & Air” and owned and operated from 1972 until 1996. He also owned and operated Turkey Creek Trailer Park for a number of years before retiring in 1996.
He married Judith Gilstrap in 2023 and she survives of the home. He enjoyed talking and being around friends and family. In his spare time, John also enjoyed traveling and hunting.
John is survived by his wife, Judith Gilstrap-Houk; step-son, Gary Jones (Levana); two step-grandchildren, Timothy Jones (Amanda), of Joplin and Stephanie Leas (Brent), of Bentonville, AR; four great-grandchildren, Breanna, Josiah, Sophia and Cameron; and one brother, Stephan Houk.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with Brent Leas officiating.
Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary.
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