Dean O. Houston

Dean O. Houston, 79, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2014.

He was born December 12, 1934 in Stratton, Colorado, the son of Ernest and Rose Houston. He was a graduate of Colby High School. He served in the U.S. Marines where he was a recruiter as well as serving overseas, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

When Dean left the military he went to work for the Kansas Highway Department and was on the crew that built I-70 through western Kansas, while on that project he met his future wife as they passed through WaKeeney. Shortly after he joined the Kansas Highway Patrol, where he served for 27 years before retiring as a Sergeant in 1984. He then went to work as a Private Investigator for Clarence M. Kelley and Associates of Kansas City, MO. Later he formed Alamo Investigative Services Inc.

He was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Topeka, a Lifetime member of the VFW Post 1650, the Antique Automobile Club of America as well as several local car clubs and a raucous supporter of K-State Athletics.

Dean married Phyllis Malinowsky on September 6, 1958 in WaKeeney, Kansas. She survives of the home. Other survivors include 3 children, Tad and Cherie Houston, Branson, Missouri; Brett and Lora Houston, Liberty, Missouri; Tara and Jason Sawyers, Topeka; 5 grandchildren, Travis, Derek, Cory, Grant and Claire; and 2 siblings, Peggy Stephens and Shirley Hruska.

Dean had a full life and really never slowed down. He was very involved with his kid's activities, even with his hectic schedule as a road Trooper with the Highway Patrol. This included the usual school and athletic events. He helped coach sports teams over the years and served as Scoutmaster for troop 108 in Hays, KS.

He continued his involvement with his grandkids, attending football, basketball, baseball, swimming, Trap Shooting and other events regularly; traveling many miles to root them on. He also made time for his granddogs, who eagerly awaited his visits and the treats that always came with him.

His other love was in the restoration of old cars. The journey started many years ago with his 1915 Model T Roadster. That car was lovingly restored by him with parts coming from all corners of the US. It was even a paid "extra" in the movie Paper Moon which filmed in Ellsworth, KS. He also oversaw the restoration of his 1928 Model A Special Coup, which won a National First Place in the Antique Auto Club of America 2009 Nationals, it's first competition. Another project was his 1939 Ford Pickup. This truck was originally acquired from an old Phillips 66 dealer in 1968 and was stored for many years in western Kansas before it was completely restored to better than new condition in 2011. He completed the projects with fully restored period gas pumps for each vehicle. Dean truly enjoyed taking the kids and grandkids for rides in his "Old Cars".

He was beloved by family and friends for many things including his quick wit and willingness to help others whenever needed, with a helping hand or creative "MacGyver-like" fix. He will be greatly missed.

A funeral ceremony will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Dean will lie in state from 3-8 p.m., Tuesday at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church.

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