Jim Houtz

Jim Houtz, age 84, died Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at his home in Elkhart, Kansas. He was born August 15, 1938, in Wapalo, Iowa, the son of Maurice Charles and Lelia Belle (Cohenour) Houtz.

Jim grew up in Iowa until his senior year in 1956 when the family moved to Liberal, Kansas. He married Reida Hale on September 20, 1957, in Perryton, Texas. They celebrated just shy of 63 years of marriage before her death in 2020. They moved to Elkhart is 1963 where they raised their four sons. Jim worked for over 40 years for Anadarko retiring as a supervisor. He owned street rods and enjoyed attending and participating in shows. Jim was active in his boy’s lives and enjoyed coaching their baseball teams. The last 25 years after retirement, he enjoyed golfing and attending his grandchildren’s sports and activities. Jim will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, quick wit and his well-known Houtzisms.

Jim is survived by his four sons, Maurice “Moe” Paul Houtz and wife Marla of Elkhart, Brett Alan Houtz and wife Margaret of Ozawkie, John Charles Houtz and wife Terri of Elkhart, and Jimmy Dean Houtz of Elkhart; sister, Kahla Preedy of Zale, Texas; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Lelia Houtz; and wife, Reida in 2020.

Per Jim’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. Memorial contributions may be given to the Point Rock Golf Club in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.