Robert “Bob” Leon Houck, age 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 18, 2026.  His illness came on fast and despite his courageous fight, was just too much for him to overcome.  Bob loved the Lord Jesus and was a man with a big heart. He was nice to everyone, and he often found a way to help others in need. He loved leading the prayer at family gatherings and reunions.

Bob was born November 12, 1939, in a farmhouse near Crescent, Oklahoma.  He was the oldest child of Jess and Juanita Houck.  He grew up with his two younger sisters Linda and Connie in Wichita, Ks moving to Caldwell, Kansas in 7th grade.  He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1958 and Phillips University in 1962.

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Mary Elaine Bobek on August 9,1962. They started their family in Wichita, Kansas where they had sons David Blaine and Michael Patrick.  Bob worked for Boeing and Learjet before taking a job in Salina, Kansas that would lead to a long career in hospital administration at St John’s Hospital in Salina and Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, Kansas

Bob loved the outdoors and most activities involved camping, hunting and fishing.  The family took vacations to Colorado and the Ozarks every summer. His favorite fishing hole at the sandpit was where the family spent countless evenings.  He not only loved watching sports but played softball, basketball, and volleyball in city and church league teams late into life.

Bob is survived by his wife Mary of Salina, Kansas; son David and wife Charlotte Houck of Edmond, Oklahoma; son Mike and wife Michelle Houck of Milford, Kansas; grandchildren Justin and wife Autrie Houck of Piedmont, Oklahoma; Jacob Houck of Chicago, Ill; Joseph Houck of Moore, Oklahoma; Kara Houck of Milford, Kansas; Jacob and wife Kyra Frisbie of Waco, Texas; and great grandson Harrison Houck of Piedmont, Oklahoma.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jess and Juanita Houck; sister Connie Cink; and granddaughter Madison Frisbie.

A memorial service will be at 1pm on Saturday, February 28th, 2026, Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 825 E Beloit Ave, Salina, KS 67401.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m., March 7th, 2026, at Sugar Sisters 20 S Main Caldwell, Kansas.

Memorials can be made to Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 825 E. Beloit Ave., Salina, KS., 67401.