Charles L. Houston, III
December 20, 1947 ~ May 24, 2023
Charles L. Houston III, 75, of Centreville, VA, passed away on May 24, 2023, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Charles was born on December 20, 1947, to Charles Lester Houston Jr. and Virginia Dare Houston in Munich, Germany. After graduating from Russellville, High School in Arkansas, in 1967 Charles went onto study physics at Arkansas Tech.
After two years of college, Charles joined the United States Air Force. He was enlisted for 10 years. He was an aviation technician. In 1979, Charles graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, with a Bachelor of Science degree. Charles then pursued an Air Force career as an officer. He was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base as an acquisition officer. Later he worked at the Pentagon, taught at the Air War College, worked with the Defense Mapping Agency, Medical Free Electron Lazer Program, Air Traffic Control and the Star Wars program. In 1997, Charles retired from the United States Air Force after serving 29 years . He then worked for a few civilian companies but returned to the Department of Defense as a government employee for 11 years.
After retiring, Charles bowled, golfed and enjoyed reading science fiction books, a life-long interest. He also attended band concerts and plays.
Charles was preceded by Charles Lester Jr. father, Virginia Dare Houston, mother, Gordon Bryan Houston, brother and Rita Houston, sister.
Charles is survived by Loretta Houston, wife, nieces Kate Garland, Ginger Besancon, and Becky McVay and nephews John Garland, Brent Houston, and Cheyne Houston. He has many cousins who live in Arkansas.
A visitation and viewing will be on June 14 from 5-8 pm at the Money & King Funeral Home at 171 West Maple Avenue in Vienna, VA 22180.
The memorial will be on June 15 at 11:00 am at the Money & King Funeral Home. For those unable to join in person, the service will be livestreamed via the link below. Following the memorial, there will be a reception at the Fairfax Army Navy Country Club at 3315 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax VA 22030.
In lieu of flowers you may make a contribution to the American Cancer Research.
Charles was born on December 20, 1947, to Charles Lester Houston Jr. and Virginia Dare Houston in Munich, Germany. After graduating from Russellville, High School in Arkansas, in 1967 Charles went onto study physics at Arkansas Tech.
After two years of college, Charles joined the United States Air Force. He was enlisted for 10 years. He was an aviation technician. In 1979, Charles graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, with a Bachelor of Science degree. Charles then pursued an Air Force career as an officer. He was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base as an acquisition officer. Later he worked at the Pentagon, taught at the Air War College, worked with the Defense Mapping Agency, Medical Free Electron Lazer Program, Air Traffic Control and the Star Wars program. In 1997, Charles retired from the United States Air Force after serving 29 years . He then worked for a few civilian companies but returned to the Department of Defense as a government employee for 11 years.
After retiring, Charles bowled, golfed and enjoyed reading science fiction books, a life-long interest. He also attended band concerts and plays.
Charles was preceded by Charles Lester Jr. father, Virginia Dare Houston, mother, Gordon Bryan Houston, brother and Rita Houston, sister.
Charles is survived by Loretta Houston, wife, nieces Kate Garland, Ginger Besancon, and Becky McVay and nephews John Garland, Brent Houston, and Cheyne Houston. He has many cousins who live in Arkansas.
A visitation and viewing will be on June 14 from 5-8 pm at the Money & King Funeral Home at 171 West Maple Avenue in Vienna, VA 22180.
The memorial will be on June 15 at 11:00 am at the Money & King Funeral Home. For those unable to join in person, the service will be livestreamed via the link below. Following the memorial, there will be a reception at the Fairfax Army Navy Country Club at 3315 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax VA 22030.
In lieu of flowers you may make a contribution to the American Cancer Research.
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Chuck and I met as junior officers at HQ AF Systems Command working to establish and support programs on aircraft avionics systems development. Although the work was stressful at times, Chuck always brought a smile and laugh to the meetings. We became friends and stayed in touch throughout our military careers. We fondly remember the many times we went out to dinner with Chuck and Loretta.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
George and Judy Radic
Chuckie came to London while I was stationed at a nearby RAF base. We went pub hopping in a chauffer driven Rolls Royce. Great way to get around London!
I’ll miss him.
My husband Eric and I met Loretta first, but we were soon introduced to Chuck, because they were a team and enjoyed being together. Chuck was always up for trying new things with us, like kayaking or riding an elephant. He also enjoyed playing board games, and many a weekend afternoon we would compete. Win or lose, Chuck was always a good sport. Eric bowled with them for several years, and we would get together to watch football, golf and bowling on TV. Chuck and Loretta loved to cook, and we enjoyed sharing Thanksgiving and birthday celebrations. Chuck considered everyone a friend, and was very social. He liked nothing better than entertaining people with stories of his travels or activities. Most of all, Chuck loved Loretta, his Pearl.
We will miss him.
Colette and Eric Wickman
RIP Charlie.
I have fond memories of bowling at night with Loretta and Chuck in the Army-Navy Bowling League. Chuck was a terrific bowler. I also have fond memories of parties at their beautiful home, especially the Bunco parties Loretta had as a fund raiser for our Patowmack Seekers Questers Organization.
Bev Stevenson
To my friend Chuck,
I will miss you forever, and will never forget our friendship that was shared by you, and your wife, my friend, Loretta Houston! May you finally “REST IN PEACE”! MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES! VICKI L. CRISTIANI
I knew Charles as the Man who married my beautiful sweet Cousin Loretta. As the Son of His military career Father who I knew as a distinguished Gentleman, I became acquainted with following His highly accomplished retirement, Charles joined the U.S. Armed Forces & traveled the World with Loretta at his side. Due to the dedication of these 2 Men, their Families & many others, We U.S. citizens & the “Free World” benefit today. Chuck, thank You for Your life’s dedication & 54 years sharing with Loretta & our Family.
Loretta,
I was the contractor PM for the team that supported DOD CIO/NMO for all of his service there. He and I had about a million conversations over the many years. I was very saddened to just learn of his passing. He mentioned you nearly every day, and it was always a glowing commentary. I was frankly amazed at the depth of his love for you, and sort of humbled by it. We all enjoyed Chuck and we will miss him. I’m glad he had a too-brief but significant retirement to spend w/ you. You should just be strong and wait til you see him again–which you will. Humans are an impatient species. Don’t be in a rush. Eternity together is worth waiting for. Chuck will be with you anyway til then.
Loretta,
I was the contractor PM for the team that supported DOD CIO/NMO for all of his service there. He and I had about a million conversations over the many years. I was very saddened to just learn of his passing. He mentioned you nearly every day, and it was always a glowing commentary. I was frankly amazed at the depth of his love for you, and sort of humbled by it. We all enjoyed Chuck and we will miss him. I’m glad he had a too-brief but significant retirement to spend w/ you. You should just be strong and wait til you see him again–which you will. Humans are an impatient species. Don’t be in a rush. Eternity together is worth waiting for. Chuck will be with you anyway til then.