Allen Houston

ASHMORE – Allen Houston, 72, of Ashmore, passed away Friday, January 7, 2022 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon.

His funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m. (NOON) Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Maranatha Baptist Church, 3400 DeWitt Avenue, Mattoon, with Dr. Dan Haifley officiating.  Burial will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Mattoon.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 on Thursday at the church.  Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.  Memorials: Pacific Garden Mission, 1458 Canal Street, Chicago, IL  60607.

Al was born January 2, 1950 in Buckeye Lake, OH, son of Richard Dwight and Mary Lou (Allen) Houston.  He married Linda Cooper, November 21, 1992 at the Bible Center Church, Charleston; she survives.  Also surviving are his children, Paula (Patrick) Mason, Kyla (Justin) Nihiser, Ashley (Phil) Joyner, grandchildren, Cami Mason, Dara (Brett) Livvix, Marissa Mason, Sean Houston, Lacy Wilson, Morgan Nihiser, Sarah Tittle, and Eric Tittle, and sixteen great-grandchildren; Linda's children, Bill (Sharon) Huddlestun and Lisa (Tim) Leisch, her grandchildren, Robert Huddlestun, David Huddlestun, Adrienne Huddlestun, and Brandon Stevens, and her 4 great-grandchildren.  One brother, Paul (Linda) Houston, and two sisters, Melody (Dan) Purdy and Lynnette (James) Evans.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Al drove for Rex n' Don for many years.  He was a member of Maranatha Baptist Church.  In earlier years, he loved to drag race and owned an upholstery shop.  He loved Gospel music and had played bass guitar for the Churchmen quartet for several years.  In later years, he enjoyed tinkering on old cars and trucks, going to old car shows, and spending time with family.