Nelson 'June' Houston

Nelson 'June' Houstonof Newark ValleyNelson 'June' Houston, 76, passed peacefully at his home on Saturday evening, August 21, 2010.He is survived by his loving wife of almost 57 years, Shirley (Sherwood) Houston, his children: Michelle (Chuck) Creeley, Jerry (Lisa) Houston, Cindy (Rollin) Newton, John (Lurenda) Houston, Luann (George) Ford, Lisa (Rodger) Kalpokas, Melody (Greg) Wilder. Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren: Sharon Creeley, Chuck (Andrea) Creeley, Jr., Holly, Julie (Shayne Willms), Jerry Jr., and Kristi Houston; Spc. Jim Hall, Jenny (Isaac) Hults, Jessica (Alfie Morse) and Stephanie Newton, Pete (Becky) Houston, Penny Houston, Brian, Travis and Kyamesha Ford, Randy, Nikki, Megan (Justin Harris) Stables, Jordan, Dylan, Devan, Taylor, Derrick Kalpokas, Eliza, Ava, Isabella Wilder, and great grandchildren, Cadin Creeley, Lily Austin, Maxwell Willms, Laurali and Kolina Hults, Alea Morse, Leland Houston, Shirina Harris, Heather Hults, Jolynn Morse and Megan Newton; his sisters and brother, Margaret Schliebener, Barbara (Steve) Brusso, Gilbert (Lorraine) Houston, many nieces, nephews and friends. Over the years, Shirley and June were foster parents to many children including Amy, Alice and Lois.Nelson was born on October 20, 1933 in the Town of Baldwin, NY a son of Nelson and Lucy Beatrice (VanValkner) Houston, Sr., In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Betty Jerzak and granddaughters, Joy Newton, Kelli Ford and Samantha Stables. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the US Army and an employee of the former Chesebro Whitman Mfg. Co. For many years he and Shirley owned and operated a family dairy farm. They also cut, split, and delivered 1200 face cord of wood annually. He was a Charter Member of the Weltonville Fire Co., member of the Newark Valley and Berkshire Senior Citizens , enjoyed hunting and fishing and will be remembered for his 'one-liners' and good sense of humor. Nelson also enjoyed going to auctions with his good friend of 45 years, Bill Franks. He was especially proud that his family cleared and prepared a portion of the Houston land for off-road biking. For the past 5 years, The Beaten Trails Club have hosted WNYOA Hare Scrambles. Nelson 'June' Houston will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4-7 pm at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley. A funeral service and celebration of his life will be held at 9 am on Thursday at the funeral home. Rev. James Willard will officiate. Burial will follow in West Newark Cemetery with military honors accorded. Memorials may be directed to West Newark Cemetery Assoc., Weltonville Fire Co., Newark Valley Food Pantry or the Flemingville UMC in memory of Nelson Houston.