George Gerald Houghton Obituary in Ankeny at Memorial Services of Iowa

Obituary For George Gerald Houghton

George Gerald Houghton was born July 26, 1941, to William and Louise Houghton in Schenectady, New York. George was received into the arms of Jesus October 27, 2025, at Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny, IA.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Urbandale Baptist Church (6501 NW Aurora Ave., Urbandale). Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Urbandale Baptist Church will be livestreaming the service. To access the link, go to “Photos & Videos” in the menu above.

George received the Lord as his personal Savior at the age of nine during a backyard Bible club in Schenectady. He said he felt from a very early age that he would serve the Lord by preaching or teaching when he grew up. After high school, he began to train for that future ministry. He received his B.A. from Bethel College (now Bethel University), B.D. from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, and Th.M. and Th.D., Dallas Theological Seminary. Later, he received an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, from Central Baptist Theological Seminary. While at Central, he was ordained in 1966 by Faith Baptist Church, St. Paul, MN.

He began his teaching career in 1967 at Dallas Theological Seminary. In 1973 the Lord led him to Faith Baptist Bible College. While at FBBC, he was on the faculty, served as Head Librarian, and became Academic Dean of Education and later Academic Vice President. During his years at FBBC he taught many modules at various colleges and seminaries. After his retirement, he served as adjunct faculty.

While at FBBC, George met his wife, Karen (Crown) Houghton. They were married in 1976 and enjoyed 49 years together. In 1980, George became a father with the adoption of their son, James, and in1981 with their daughter, Becky. He had a deep love for his wife and children. George loved to work on the Houghton family tree. His children have memories of him taking them to cemeteries while he looked for old relatives. In the meantime, they received many mosquito bites!

George was a faithful member of Urbandale Baptist Church and served as an Associate Pastor for seven years. He also taught Sunday School. George loved music. He loved to play the organ and was the organist for many years. Through the years George mentored young men through Bible Studies. He enjoyed this one-on-one time in the Word.

His last five and a half years were spent at Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny where he received such good care. He grew to love the staff and residents, and they loved him too! The Lord gave him a special ministry of encouragement to those around him. Four years ago, he was asked to write a weekly devotional to hand out to the residents. It has been a blessing to hear how this encouraged many. Thank you, Sunny View, for taking care of George.

George is survived by his wife, Karen; son, James; sister, Ginger; brother-in-law, Timothy (Carolyn) Crown; brother-in-law, David (Becky) Crown; sister-in-law, Pamela (Timothy) Schmerse; as well as nieces and nephews. He is also survived by “adopted” children, Stephen and Edna Muindi; and grandchildren, Ian, Regina and Rena. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Becky; parents, William and Louise Houghton; twin brother, Myron; father and mother-in-law, Francis and Evelyn Crown; and sister-in-law Barbara (Tony) Haley.

Memorials may be directed to Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary or Urbandale Baptist Church.

George will be laid to rest at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.

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