Thomas Emory Houchins, 77, of Evansville, passed away Sunday Aug. 23, 2009 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh.

Born Oct 4, 1931 in Oakland City, he was the son of Jess and Jenny (DeJarnett) Houchins.

He was a member of Winslow Masonic Lodge 260 and Winslow Eastern Star, Scottish Rite in Evansville, and the Winslow American Legion Post.

He retired as a coal miner from Old Ben Co. after 32years. He was a 50 year member of U.M.W.A. He was also aboard the USS AJAX during the Korean War. He was a member of the Arthur General Baptist Church. He enjoyed old western movies and was an avid NFL football fan.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Mary (Henderson) Houchins; sons, Paul (Esther) Houchins of Evansville, Danny R. Houchins of Huntingburg; Mark Houchins of Central City, Ky.; grandsons, Josh (Jamie) Houchins, Matthew Houchins, Ethan Houchins, Ivan Houchins; granddaughter, April Houchins; and great-granddaughter, Brianna Barber

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009 at Lamb-Basham Memorial Chapel in Oakland City with the Rev. Terry Beadles officiating. Burial will follow in Montgomery Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until the service hour on Wednesday at the Chapel.