Col. Fern "Jack" L. Houck

Col. Fern L. “Jack” Houck, 87, of Hanover, PA, entered God’s Eternal care, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, with his family by his side; just 6 days after the passing of his loving wife Nedalyn “Nini” (Charmbury) Houck who passed away on June 24, 2021, and with whom he would have shared 66 years of marriage this July 16th.

Born July 14, 1933, in Hanover, PA, he was the son of the late Fern “John” J. and Naomi S. (Thoman) Houck. 

Jack was a 1951 graduate of Eichelberger High School, and a 1955 graduate of Gettysburg College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. 

After graduation, Jack received a commission in the United States Air Force and entered active duty.  During his service, he was in the Comptroller and Data Automation fields while serving with the Air Defense Command, the Strategic Air Command, and spent his final 9 years of service at the Pentagon with HQ USAF.  During his service he was stationed in TX, NY, Nebraska, California, Virginia, Newfoundland, and Vietnam while establishing Data Automation and computer capabilities at all levels within the United States Air Force.  For his services, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.  Following his 22 years of active duty, Col. Houck returned to Hanover and entered into partnership at the Thoman Wallpaper and Paint Store for several years before fully retiring to enjoy his hobby of antiquing.

Jack was a member and volunteered at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Hanover, PA.  He also volunteered with the Hanover Area Council of Churches Clothing Bank and was a member of USAA, the Military Officers Association of America, the Hanover Area Historical Society, and the Hanover Elks Lodge 763.                                                   

Jack is survived by three daughters, Debra Mayers and husband Curt of Lancaster, PA, Susan Hardin and husband Paul of Franklin, TX, and Stacy Mummert and husband Tim of Hanover, PA; nine grandchildren, Jason Mayers and wife Julie, Chad Mayers and wife Averlyn, Amy Hummer and husband Anton, Ryan Hardin and wife Shannon, Allison Higginbotham and husband Austin, Zachary Hardin and wife Victoria, Logan Mummert, Paige Mummert, and Finley Mummert; ten great-grandchildren, Carley, Roslyn, Avery, Colton, Delaney, Marley, Fiona, Regina, Mackenzie, and Addison. 

Services for the public will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s name to the St. Mark Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 129 Charles Street, Hanover, PA 17331 or to Office of Annual Giving, 300 N. Washington Street, Gettysburg College Box 423, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

The Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA has been entrusted by the family with the funeral arrangements.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com. 

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