John Griffeth (Deke) Houston

Published 12:20 am Thursday, June 4, 2015

May 15, 1936- May 2, 2015

John Griffeth (Deke) Houston of La Quinta, California and Bend, Oregon, died May 2, 2015 in Eisenhower Hospital, Rancho Mirage, California of complications from Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born May 15, 1936 to Jack and Esther Houston in Portland, Oregon. He married Renee Houston in 1988. John was a graduate of the class of 1959 (the first class) of the Unites States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado. Following graduation, he attended pilot training and served with distinction as an officer and pilot in the US Air Force, receiving two Air Force Crosses and a Silver Star for heroism in combat. Because of his bravery in combat, he became known as “Tiger John”. After gaining an advance degree in Aeronautical Engineering he became a test pilot at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, where he tested new systems for fighter aircraft.

Following his distinguished career in the US Air Force, John joined the family business of Houston’s, Inc., a master distributor of bar and restaurant supplies. He was the driving force behind the phenomenal growth of that company increasing the business from a small 2-person office to a nationwide distributorship with over 50 trucks.

Following that very successful career, John retired to golf and building homes for pleasure and profit. He was a member of the Air Force Association, The Quiet Birdman, The red River Rats Association, The US Air Force Academy Association of Graduates and with his wife, Renee, a supporter of a number of philanthropies, including the Boys and Girls Aid Society.

John was an avid golfer, a voracious reader, and a talented home designer and builder. He was, by any measure, an extraordinary man and he will be greatly missed. He served in the US Air Force from 1955 to 1972 and departed the service with the rank of Major. He is survived by Renee Houston, his wife of 27 years.

A Tribute and Remembrance will be held Saturday June 13th at 2:00 p.m., at Waverly Golf Club, 1100 SE Waverly Drive, Portland, OR 97222.

The family suggests donations to The American Lung Association in lieu of flowers.