Robert “Keith” Houghtaling, age 93 of Bridgeport, passed away Monday, November 23, 2020 in Lawrenceville at the United Methodist Village. He was born March 12th of 1927 to Katie (Palmer) Houghtaling and Marion Houghtaling.
While attending college, Keith was called to active duty in December of 1946 serving in World War II as a member of the United States Army. He went to boot camp at Camp Roberts in California. Keith was then sent to New Jersey and then on to serve in France, Germany, and Austria.
In Austria, he met and married his wife of 61 years, Maria “Mitzi” Ubellacker. Keith and Mitzi traveled home in 1948 to the United States and made their home on the family farm in Bridgeport.
Keith was again called to active duty in 1950 and was sent to Yokohama, Japan to serve in the Korean War. In 1951, he was honorably discharged.
Upon his return home, he was employed by Abel Brothers in Bridgeport. He worked there for 37 years until their closing. He then worked at the Bridgeport Senior Citizens for 14 years until his retirement. Throughout his life he also worked on the family farm.
Keith was a life-long member of the Shiloh Baptist Church and served as a Deacon since 1958.
Surviving family includes: three children- Pete Ubellacker and wife Kathy of Bridgeport, Gretta Davis of Sumner, and Brenda Mason and husband Darin of Sumner: three sisters- Ruby Houghtaling of Sumner, Jane Warford of Ekron, KY, and Ruth Fye of Covington, IN: one brother- Omer Houghtaling of Sumner: six grandchildren- Karl and Kent Ubellacker, Corey Davis, Haley Clayton, Johanna Large, and Brandon Wells: and nineteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: his parents- Katie and Marion Houghtaling: his wife- Maria “Mitzi” Houghtaling: two brothers- Marion “Jr.” Houghtaling and Roger Houghtaling: and two sons-in-law- Rick Davis and Danny Wells.
Private services will be held for Robert “Keith” Houghtaling. Cunningham Funeral Homes is assisting the family at this time of loss.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Baptist Children’s Home directly at 949 County Rd. 1300 N of Carmi, IL 62821 or through the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.