Louis Burl Houston

Louis Houston, 85 of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, died Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in Fayetteville, Ark. Born Nov. 25, 1931, in Eastland County, Texas, he was the son of Burl Houston and Frankie Kuykendall. Louis graduated from North Texas State University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. He was the first in his family to attend and graduate college. He married Leah Hall, Feb. 18, 1956. They lived in Hobbs, New Mexico, where he was a systems analyst for Conoco Oil Company. He developed computer software leading to the establishment of the world's first remotely monitored oilfield. They moved the family to Siloam Springs in 1971. Louis took a job for Benton County as a data processing manager. He set up and ran the first computer system for the county and held this position for 20 years until his retirement. During retirement he was an award winning columnist for the Siloam Springs Herald Leader. Louis was a member of Community Christian Fellowship and the Siloam Springs Writers Guild. Louis loved to write and was a published writer. He spent his time with his family, teaching his kids and grandkids about the outdoors, outdoor skills and the conservation of nature. He enjoyed cooking, especially pancakes for the grandkids. Louis enjoyed walks with his canine companion B.J. and "talkin politics" with his wife of 61 years, Leah. He is survived by his wife, Leah, of the home; two sons, Devin B. Houston and wife Trish of Siloam Springs, Ark., Michael and Nena Houston of Siloam Springs; two daughters, Marisa Rasnic and Russ of Hot Springs, Ark.; Kim Houston and Joe Batson of Tulsa, Okla.; six grandsons, Dustin Houston, Alex Harris, Andrew Harris, Brent Houston, Zachary Houston and Jacob Houston; four granddaughters, Audrey Clinesmith, Cat Newman, Kelli Ray and Lexi Rasnic; one great grandson, Aidan; and three great granddaughters, Amelie, Ella Kate and Maxine. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Monday, April 10, 2017, at Community Christian Fellowship in Siloam Springs, with Mr. Gene Linzey and Pastor Pat Callahan officiating. To sign the online guestbook go to www.wassonfuneralhome.com. Memorials can be made to Siloam Springs High School Scholarship Fund, Siloam Springs High School, 700 N. Progress Ave., Siloam Springs, Ark. 72761, or the Siloam Springs Writers Guild.