Stephen "Steve" C. Houchin

Stephen Carey Houchin was born on May 26, 1955, to Bob and Charlotte Young Houchin in Lubbock, TX.  Steve and his family then lived in Canyon, TX, Albuquerque, NM, and Pampa, TX, before settling in Amarillo, TX.  Steve attended Bonham Middle School and graduated from Tascosa High School in 1973, where he was a wrestling champion, and then went on to attend Abilene Christian University the following year.  A few years later, in 1975, he started his career in the insurance industry.  In 1986, Steve met the love of his life, Rita, and they blended their families with four wonderful children: Chris, Nick, Nathan, and Toby, and then completed their family with a precious daughter, Heather.  Then, in 1994, he joined Actuaries & Associates with his father, Bob Houchin.

Nick and his wife, April, were the first to add grandchildren to the family with their children Drew, Drake, Berkley, and Brecken. Chris soon followed with Noah and Lucia, Nathan and his wife, Sarah, with their daughter Charlotte.  From that point forward, Steve was known as ‘Pops’ to his entire family.  Steve was faithful in making time for his
grandchildren and loved watching them in their many environments and activities.  He was always a hands-on ‘Pops,’ and his family loved him dearly.

Steve and Rita enjoyed spending time at the family ranch near Groom, TX, along with long-time friends Pat and Carol Phillips.  They were members of the Church at Quail Creek at Amarillo, where he and Rita attended the Crossroads class and were involved in numerous activities with many great friends and church members.  Rita and Steve also volunteered and spent many summers joyfully and faithfully serving at Camp Agape and El Porvenir in New Mexico.

Steve unexpectedly joined Our Lord and Savior on Friday, April 28, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his ‘bonus’ son, Toby; a sister Elizabeth Shelton; and a brother-in-law Eugene Shelton.

Steve is survived by his wife Rita; by his three sons, Chris, Giselle, and Shanann of Ashland, Oregon; Nick and his wife April of Amarillo; Nathan and his wife, Sarah of Richmond, California; and by his only daughter and youngest of the family, Heather Houchin,  of Nashville, Tennessee; also grandchildren Drew and his wife Ansleigh, Drake, Noah, Berkley, Brecken, Lucia, Charlotte, and Thomas; parents Bob and Charlotte of Amarillo, TX; siblings Bobby and Jeff, of Fort Worth, TX, Donna and her husband Paul of Fort Worth, and Jennifer and her husband Luke of Waco, TX.  Steve is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews.

On Steve’s behalf, Rita would like to acknowledge the extraordinary friendship between Steve and Pat Phillips.  They had a friendship that was not only one of a kind but also formed an incredible friendship and bond between Rita and Carol that will last a lifetime.

The family suggests that memorials be made in Steve's memory at either Camp Agape Amarillo, campagapeamarillo@gmail.com or El Porvenir Christian Camp and Retreat Center, #1 Christian Avenue, Montezuma, NM 87731

The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from 5:30 until 7:00 PM.  The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 1:00 PM at The Church at Quail Creek, with Rev. Dale Moreland officiating.  Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Amarillo.