Merle Taylor Houston, Jr. 71 of Keokuk, IA passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022 at Blessing Health Keokuk.
He was born July 5, 1950 in Keokuk, IA the son of Merle Taylor Sr. and Dorryce Galbreath Houston.
Merle graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Dayton, OH with the Class of 1969. He furthered his education at the American InterContinental University where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He was currently working on his Doctorate degree.
Merle was a proud veteran and served in the United States Navy.
On May 23, 1995 Merle was united in marriage to Novella Robinson in Milwaukee, WI. She survives.
Other survivors include his eight children, Louis Antonia Brown (Lakita) of Cincinnati, OH, Merle T. Houston III (Vikki) of Akron, OH, Marie Dorsey of Cincinnati, OH, Jerle T. Houston of Dayton, OH, Jamie Rice of Dayton, OH, Shayla Parker of Milwaukee, WI, Trinity Faulkner (Eddie) of Memphis, TN and Chantel Parker of Milwaukee, WI, twenty-one grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Obie Houston, Sr. (Cynthia) of Trotwood, OH and one sister, Colleen Houston of East Moline, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother in infancy and one sister, Terri Montgomery.
Merle had been employed by General Plastics in Milwaukee, WI as a truck driver.
He was a member of God’s Way Christian Center in Keokuk.
Merle was an avid fisherman and spent as much time as he could fishing. He was very active in his church and enjoyed working there. Merle loved football and was an enthusiastic fan of the Green Bay Packers.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 29, 2022 at New Bethel Church, 1217 Morgan St., Keokuk, IA.
Pre-past will be held prior to the service, Saturday, at the church from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. with the family meeting with friends at that time.
Memorials may be made to God’s Way Christian Center.
The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.
