Santa Clara, Utah
– Wayne H. Houston born October 7, 1927 in Richfield, Utah, departed this earthly life January 16, 2019 to be with his eternal sweetheart, Ramona Faye Hogue Houston.
Wayne was born the fourth of nine children to Tommy Ray and Emma Haywood Houston. After a brief courtship, Wayne and Ramona were married in his childhood home in Panguitch, Utah on March 5, 1949. Later their marriage was solemnized in the Los Angeles Temple.
In 1952, Wayne joined the Air Force. After an honorable discharge in 1955, Wayne and Ramona moved to Costa Mesa, California. Wayne joined the Costa Mesa, California Fire Department, during those years he also had a horse shoeing business. While living in Costa Mesa, Wayne and Ramona had two daughters, Janet Gail Houston Boudreaux born March 17, 1958 and Carol Houston Christensen born February 22, 1962. Later they also adopted Alex Percel as their son.
After retiring in 1979 from the Costa Mesa Fire Department as Captain, Wayne and Ramona moved back to Utah. Wayne owned and trained thoroughbred horses. In 1982, Wayne became the First paid Fire Chief in St. George, Utah. He served as Chief for 15 years.
Wayne is preceded in death by his sweetheart, Ramona Faye Hogue Houston; parents, Tommy Ray and Emma Heywood Houston; brother, Douglas Ray Houston; sisters: Mary (Howard) Simkins, Reva (Lin) Orton, Barbara (Gib) Mitchell and Gay (Wayne) Hoskins. He is survived by his daughters: Janet and Carol; son, Alex; sisters: Cleone (Dave) Major, Edy (Earl) Hindley, Lorraine (Ralph) Kurtz and Judy (Ray) Garver; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
We celebrate a life well lived. Wayne was a great example to others and will be missed greatly. We appreciate the loving care of Canyon Hospice.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd, St. George, Utah. Visitations will held Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, prior to services, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. both at the mortuary. Interment will be in the Santa Clara City Cemetery.
