John Samuel Houston, ll

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John Samuel Houston, ll, 85, of Mexico, passed away on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

John was born on Feb. 5, 1936 in House, N.M., the son of John and Agnes Houston. He attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark. where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and house manager of the fraternity; he graduated in 1958 with honors and a degree in animal husbandry. He married Wanda Jane Snodgrass of Booneville, Ark. on June 12, 1960.

John and Wanda moved to Mexico, in 1967 where he established a livestock order buying business, By-Ryt Order Buyers. He operated it with his partner and dear friend, Larry Wagner, until the mid-1980s. John was also a livestock producer and farmer, working at both up until just two months ago. He rode horses from a very young age and was a skilled horseman. For many years, John met his “breakfast buddies” at Stacey’s early most mornings, always followed by his drive up the County Line Road to feed the livestock, what he called “his favorite time of the day.”

John and Wanda taught the “Young Married Couples” Sunday school class at the First Baptist Church for many years, and many of the young couples they met there remain friends to this day. John was also a deacon and the head of the finance committee.

John is survived by his wife, Wanda; three daughters, Deana (David) Millen of Henryville, Ind.; Joni (Michael) Lewis of Evergreen, Colo.; Karen (Chuck) Duckworth of Overland Park, Kan.; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; Natalie (Robert) Ogburn, Hayden, Addison, Sam (Chrissy) Millen, Sara (Austin) Cooper, Kaden and Ayla, Jack, Jacob Lewis, Trey, Houston Duckworth; one sister, Louise Moon of Santa Ana, Calif.; three brothers, Otis Houston of Mount Vernon, Gordon Houston of Stanton, Iowa, and Bill Houston of Auxvasse.

John was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Sandy, Martha and Vera Nell.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, at First Baptist Church, Mexico.

Visitation is Wednesday, July 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Arnold Funeral Home. A private burial will be held at East Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Mexico. All may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.


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