Submitted by: John C. Monk

Wallace E. Houk Sr.

Aug. 18, 1925 - Jan. 28, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Wallace E. Houk, Sr., 84, of Holly Lake Ranch, TX, died on January 28, 2010, of complications of Parkinsonism. Wallace was born August 18, 1925, in South Bend, IN, to Melville and Naomi Houk. He had a younger sister, June, and two older half-brothers. Growing up during the Great Depression was a struggle for him and his family and taught him to work hard and be very frugal. Wallace was a disabled World War II veteran. He graduated from high school in South Bend in 1943 and shortly thereafter was inducted into the Army. He participated in the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, landing on Utah Beach. In October 1944 he was severely wounded by a land mine and spent the rest of his military time in hospitals. After leaving the Army, Wallace attended Purdue University, where he graduated, following which he earned a Ph.D. in entomology at Michigan State University. Later he earned a Master's Degree in Library Science at the University of Michigan. While teaching at Michigan State he met Sally Ann Sell. They were married on September 8, 1956. They had two children, Ann E. Houk Ward and Wallace E. Houk, Jr. The family moved several times in connection with Wallace's employment as an industrial librarian, college professor, and, finally, Library Director at Alvin Community College, from which he retired. Wallace's interests during retirement included working around the home. He was an avid reader, with particular interest in World War I history. He also enjoyed studying investments. He was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Lindale. Wallace is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sally, and their children Ann, of Dallas, and Wallace Jr., of Houston. In place of flowers, the family suggests donations to the charity of your choice or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780.

Published in South Bend Tribune on January 30, 2010