Clarence Raymond Houser, Jr. of Tucson, AZ and formerly of Concordia, KS. passed from his amazing life on earth on January 16, 2018. He was born September 6, 1937 in Wichita, KS.
He had a very happy childhood growing up in Wichita. Ray (Boogy) had an Illustrious high school and collegiate football and baseball career. His athleticism earned him many awards such as outstanding high school football player for Kansas in 1954 and also the prestigious honor of All State. Ray graduated from East High School in Wichita, Ks. in 1955. He was in an elite group who played both baseball and football at Wichita State University. He was offered a professional contract to play baseball for the LA Dodgers. He graduated from WSU in 1959. He served in the Army as a LT at Fort Benning, GA. Ray married Linda McVicar in 1962. Two children were born from this marriage, Scott Houser and Jill Lamm. He began a successful career with Procter and Gamble in 1960 as a District Sales Manager. He later joined his father (Babe) in the car business and moved to Concordia, Ks. He was the General Motors dealer in Concordia Kansas for 46 years. Babe Houser Motor Co. Inc., had a very loyal customer base because of the dealerships integrity. Ray served on various boards during his time in Concordia. He was the president of Economic Development for many years. He was a member of the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce and had many other civic involvements and accomplishments. Ray retired and sold his business in 2011 and moved to Tucson, AZ. Ray met his current wife Kathleen on the golf course in Arizona. They had so much in common and enjoyed their retirement years playing pickle ball, golfing, walking, swimming and traveling. They both had a love of sports and would often attend professional golf tournaments such as the Masters and KC Royals spring training games in Phoenix, AZ. He never missed an event of his grandchildren. He especially loved following their sports. He was so happy to be near them and watch them grow up. He loved sports of all kind. Ray was a lifetime supporter of the WSU Shockers. He was an avid walker and golfer. He kept active by walking 3-4 miles everyday of his life even during his battle with cancer. Ray had a love for music especially Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand and Willie Nelson. His quick wit was like no other. He never pretended to be somebody he wasn’t. He valued truth and honesty above all else. He lived his life exactly the way he wanted to. After moving to Tucson he was able to enjoy the outdoors nearly every single day. Anyone that knew Ray knew he had a love for his dogs and that was evident in every conversation. His current love of his life is a little bulldog named “Sunflower”. Ray was recently honored and surprised by his family in San Antonio, TX for an 80th birthday trip where they were truly able to celebrate his life together.
Ray leaves behind his wife Kathleen; son, Scott (Irina); daughter, Jill (Mike) Lamm; three grandchildren, Connor, Chandler and Alex. He was preceded in death by his very loving parents, Clarence (Babe) and Mary Frances Houser.
A celebration of his amazing and full life will be planned at a later date. The family would welcome and appreciate any memorials be made to Saddlebrooke Pet Rescue c/o Evelyn Summers, 39459 S. Moonwood Drive, SaddleBrooke, AZ 85739. Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com