Vernon Ray Houts, 70 of Chilhowee, MO, died Thursday, October 14, 2010 at his home. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 18, 2010 at the Chilhowee Cemetery in Chilhowee, MO with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society, Kansas City Metro Office, 6700 Antioch Road, Suite 100, Merriam, KS 66204-1200 or to Johnson County Hospice Care, 429 Burkarth Road, Warrensburg, MO 64093.

Vernon was born June 18, 1940 in rural Johnson County, MO, the son of Raymond and Alice Trucy (Cox) Houts. He married Betty Joan Dodge on March 16, 1988.

Vernon proudly served in the
U. S. Navy during the Vietnam conflict. He was the purveyor of Chilhowee Grocery Store for 13 years after retiring from Kansas City Power and Light.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents and a stepdaughter, Brenda Leutzinger. He is survived by his wife, Joan of 23 years, of the home; one sister, Wilma Baird, Belton, MO; one son, Vernon Ray Houts, II of Warrensburg, MO; daughters, Chrystine Hendrickson, Paola, KS, Ruth Scott, Cameron, MO, Alice Duncan, Hazelwood, MO, Sue Niquette, Chilhowee, MO and Debbie Blankenship, St. Louis, MO; 10 grandsons and 6 granddaughters.