First Parish
Congregational Church
East Derry, NH
(603) 434-0628

Don Houston Memorial Page

Dedicated and long-time parishioner Donald Houston passed away March 18th, 2007.
This page gathers some remembrances of Don's rich and full life. He will be missed.

Don Houston at First Parish

A Committed, Caring, Gentleman, Who Always Smiled and Gave Hugs Freely

Church Moderator for 25 years
Served on Church Board of Deacons
Parlimentarian at Annual Meetings
Participated in couples group with wife Marion
Auditor of Books
Loved to provide the Church alter flowers from his own garden
Chair of Harvest Supper for 25 years
Participated in Board of MInistries and Search Committees
Superintendent for Church School for seven years
Compiled and printed booklet describing Church's stained glass windows and other memorials
Participated in costume at the Church's 275th anniversary celebration
Collated the monthly Church Newsletter
Had a great knowledge of the Church's history

Photos and More

Founders Day
1995

Derry News, 1/14/05

Derry historians Ralph Bonnor and Don Houston examine an historic quilt that was eventually repaired and now hangs on permanent display in the Derry Public Library.
(Kate Harper photo)

Enlarge
(in a new window)

As part of the Derry Historic Research History Committee, Don was one of the writers and editors of this local history book. From the jacket: "This book records in words and pictures the 150 years of Derry's history since its separation from Londonderry on July 2, 1827. Although the town is like many small New England communities, the evolving forms of transportation uniquely shaped its history. ... The history begins with a short prologue outlining Derry's beginnings prior to 1827. During the latter part of this period the Londonderry Turnpike opened in 1806, creating the Lower Village. ... The first part of the book, the Overview, chronicles the growth of the town during four periods, each denoting a phase of its development. ... The second part, The Town, tells the story of the churches, cemeteries, schools, town services, ..., newspapers, and the Hood Farm."

Memorial Service

Go to Pastor Alice's Meditation from Don's Memorial Service:
There’s a huge hole left in our hearts and in our lives now that Don has left our midst ... read more

Online Guest book

See and add to the live online version while it is still available. Or email your comments for eventual posting.

Bernard M. Resnick
03/27/2007
Derry, NH USA
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Marion Gerrish Community Center, we want to express our condolences to the Houston Family. Don was a valuable part of our Board for many, many years being one of the decision makers that created one of the finest Community Centers in NH. At our Board outings, Don always provided his famous strawberry shortcake, fresh from his garden. His shortcake, his advice, and his decision making capability will always be remembered. Shalom Don, rest in peace.

Melissa Mitchell
03/25/2007
Derry, NH
Words can not express the fondness I have for Don. He sat in front of me at church and greeted me each Sunday with, "Good Morning, young lady". Always ready with a genuine hug and smile, he had such a positive attitude about life.
We had many conversations about Derry History, and I learned so much from him. Don was a wonderful friend and will be missed by all.

Jane & Larry Krantz
03/25/2007
Salem, NH USA
The Church will miss a good and true friend.Best wishes to the family in their time of sorrow.

Robert (Bob) Houston
03/24/2007
Payson, AZ USA
Don was truly a kind and good man and I will miss my visits with him at the times I return to Derry to visit the family.

Wendy and Mike Staggs 03/24/2007
Londonderry, NH USA
Don was always ready with a hello and a hug. He will be missed.

Shea Morgan
03/23/2007
Manchester, NH USA
It is with great feeling that I write these words regarding Don Houston. I met him at First Parish Church, helping out as he usually did, with the monthly Newsletter. It was through these meetings and our coffee time together that I discovered a very intelligent, kind and compassionate soul. He had many things in common with my own father during WWII, which we discussed several times. I shall miss his smile and positive attitude.
Shea Morgan
Administrative Assistant
First Parish Church

Sandra Carter
03/23/2007
Derry, NH USA
Don enriched us all with his wonderful stories, and always had a smile for everyone. He will surely be missed.

We all share in your sadness.

Bruce & Joy Barlow
03/22/2007
Edmonton, Kentucky USA
We were sorry to hear that this gentle man had passed away. He will long be remembered for his patient kindness. Our thoughts are with the family and our wishes are that there be peace in your hearts in this time of separation. All things are to be made right in the end, and all tears will be wiped away, so that thought is a comfort for us that are left behind.
Love, Bruce and Joy Barlow

Derry News Obituary

Don was a proud member of Company B, First Armored Amphibian Battalion.

From their memorial web site:

The First Armored Amphibian Battalion was a special battalion, the first of its kind. It was formed, trained, and deployed for combat in a period of five months. The mission of our armored amphibians (amphibious tanks) was to lead the assault on enemy-held beaches. If we failed or faltered, the entire operation would be placed in jeopardy. WE NEVER DID. read and see more ...

DOn Houston - ambphibious landing

Donald C. Houston, 91

Donald C. "Don" Houston, 91, of Derry, N.H., died, Sunday, March 18, 2007 in the Parkland Medical Center in Derry.

Don was born in West Newbury, Mass. on Dec. 27, 1915, a son of the late Albert and Blanche (Shannon) Houston. He had been a lifelong resident of Derry and had attended the Derry School System.

Don was U.S. Marine veteran, serving during World War II.

Don was a 70-year member of the Grange, and a president of the Derry Historical Society and Curator of the Museum. He served on the Heritage Commission; served on the board of the Marion Gerrish Center, and had served as a director of the Youth Marines. Don had also served as a special police officer in Derry. He was a 60-plus-year member of the First Parish Church, served as chairman of the Board of Deacons, a moderator of the church, and was involved in the Sunday School Program. Don was also one of the authors of the book, "Turnpike to Interstate."

He is survived by two daughters, Elaine Glod of Derry, and Glenna Houston of Norfolk, Va.; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Marion (Kimball) Houston, who died in 1992; and a son, David W. Houston.