After first meeting Lloyd at Natalie's graduation I could tell he was a man that cared for and loved his family. I know he will be missed and I'm so thankful my wife was able to see him again in October and talk with him on Christmas. My sympathies and condolences to everyone who knew him.

~ Parker Stockwell - January 18, 2021

Good evening Grandpa,

I had a dream about you. I said that I love you and you said I know. I’m wondering if you were sending me a message. I watched a video about the after life. I hope you have peace. I hope you are feeling loved. I miss you more then you can imagine. I’m trying to be strong for you. You are missed and you are loved.

~ Melissa Houghton - January 17, 2021

Good evening Grandpa,

I had a dream about you. I said that I love you and you said I know. I’m wondering if you were sending me a message. I watched a video about the after life. I hope you have peace. I hope you are feeling loved. I miss you more then you can imagine. I’m trying to be strong for you. You are missed and you are loved.

~ Melissa Houghton - January 17, 2021

Lloyd was a good person. He loved taking pictures and playing games but most of all he loved his family.
He will be missed.

~ Shirley & Conrad Schwebs - January 16, 2021

https://youtu.be/EPx1HT9pqos

This song came on and made me think of you. I miss you Grandpa.

~ Melissa Houghton - January 16, 2021

I didn't live in the same state as my grandparents, so when a trip was planned I was always excited to see them. When we traveled to Kentucky to visit, Papa and I would go on long walks through the neighborhood. A lot of times we would bring bread and go to the pond to feed the ducks.

Papa was a happy man and easy to be around. He had the best stories to tell and I loved hearing all about his life. During our most recent visit to Kentucky we talked about the park in Michigan that he would take me to when I was little. He remembered the swing and giant slide that he would let me play on.

He loved all of his family, but his grandchildren brought him a special joy. I will miss his loving smile, loud laugh, and warm hugs.

I love and miss you, Papa!

~Natalie

~ Natalie Stockwell (Schults) - January 15, 2021

I have childhood memories of the Houghtons as our next door neighbors extraordinaire on Henry Ruff Road in Livonia, Michigan. My sisters Ann and Mary remember Mr. Houghton (Lloyd) helping our dad move a player piano down the stairs to our basement. What a neighbor! In adulthood our youngest sister Lynn joined us along with our mother Marie for a Vegas trip to meet up with Margie, Lloyd, Steve and Dawn. I remember Lloyd insisting on carrying my suitcase for me even though he had a bad back. What a gentleman! We are so sad to lose such a great family friend. Our best wishes to our mom's best friend Margie. Love, Carolyn, Ann, Mary and Lynn Hallock

~ Carolyn Hermanson - January 15, 2021

Lloyd and Marj, Cathy, Mom and Dad, and Roger and I would always have Christmas, or Thanksgiving for the 'Houghtons' and one Thanksgiving in our basement on Madison, we had the best time playing cards, and telling jokes.....mostly if there was a lull, it was Rogers turn.....I remember we all laughed ssoooo hard that Marj almost wet herself. She kept saying stop, stop, stop, and Lloyd seemed to enjoy watching her enjoy herself. He truly loved his whole family sooo much. He lived for his family.
Prayers go to Marj, Steve, Jeannie, and Jim as well as his extended family.

Esther Houghton...sister-in-law

~ ESTHER houghton - January 15, 2021

Lloyd was afraid of pools, and one day at mom and dads house, he decided to get in the pool. after sometime. he began to panic in the deep end, and I had to pull him out and save his life.........it was a good thing I did because he was definitely one of the best brothers I could ever have. He saved my ass many times over. Goodby brother, you will be sorely missed. Marj, our sincerest condolences, and also to Steve, Jeannie, and Jim. We love you all.

LOVE,

Your Big Baby Brother Roger

~ Roger Houghton - January 15, 2021

I love you Grandpa. It’s been really hard to find the right words to express how much you mean to me.

We have had countless memories. You were there for me the whole time I was growing up. You taught me how to ride my bicycle and later on, you taught me how to drive a car.

You took me all over the place in that car. We would call Grandma up and surprise her on where we landed. I will never forget the times we drove to Fort Knox. We would go to this Italian restaurant and sip on the coffee while talking with the waitress. Before we left, we knew the life story of the waitress; you have a way of opening people up. That’s the charm you have.

The simplest things remind me of you. Planet fitness, the library, and plain donuts are a few. I remember running into you at planet fitness and you were dressed up with a button down shirt and pants. I was having trouble trying to figure out the machine and you were working out like a pro. As soon as you saw me, you said, “Melis!” and helped me figure out the machine. Everyone at the gym knew you as Lloyd. It was like an episode of Cheers where everyone knew each other but it’s because, you made it that way. It’s just who you are as a person.

I will always remember watching Doc Martin with you. Whenever the dog was up to mischief, you had this infectious laugh. I couldn’t help but laugh myself. I will never forget watching jeapordy with you and how you would eat dates with any show you watched.

I will always cherish the wisdom you passed on and the long talks we’ve had. You would talk about your life experiences and how you would do things differently. You would talk to me about your various theories or you would have random stories that would often start out as, “You know, that time at Ford.” If there was an interesting bit on TV, you would tell me a story. You could tell me anything and I would want to hear what you have to say.

You always lived in the present moment. You loved life’s simplest joys. You could rake the leaves or finish a puzzle and be at total peace. It was pure mindfulness.

I was always inspired by your routine. You would get up at 4 am, make your coffee, go to the gym, and get so much done before the time that Grandma or I got up. You would often say something along the lines of, if you get up early, the more you can take advantage of the day.

Whenever I came over, you bragged about the family. You were always excited about the grandkids accomplishments and proud of each and every one of them. You were extremely dedicated to Grandma and would do anything to make her happy. You wanted to find a way to celebrate your anniversary with her even if you didn’t have a car.

You were never wrong about anyone that I dated. If you said, “This person needs to work on XYZ”, you were usually right. You always had a good sense of judgment and character.

You are a huge part of my life. This doesn’t feel “real” for me yet. When I walked in the house, apart of me thought you would be there to say, “hey sunshine.” I thought you would still be there. I wish I could go back to Christmas and change everything but I can’t. I wish I could make this disappear. I want my Grandpa back. I would do anything to hear your voice, have one more chat, or to drive and go on another adventure. I found a black notebook and I thought, “I must have left this here. This is my notebook” and it turns out, we have the same one. On the front of the book, it says, “Be Bold. Take Risks. Live Life Freely. Lead By Example. Trust Your Gut. Say What You Feel. Mean What You Say. Express Gratitude. Believe In Your Power. Exceed Your Expectations. Dance The Night Away. Skip Down The Street. Don’t Take No For An Answer. Be Your Best Self. Don’t Look Back.” This is how you lived your life. I will not let you down and will make you proud. I love you so much and I will never forget you, the memories, the lessons, how much you invested in my life just by being you and everything that you have passed on.

I love you,

Melissa

~ Melissa Houghton - January 14, 2021

I met Mr. Houghton in the 1971. My newly found best friends dad.
He was kind of quiet, but also had a little twinkle in his eye. He would always find something to say that would make us laugh
Mr. Houghton was always very thoughtful and inquisitive as to how life was treating me. i
It meant so much because he always made me feel like he was truly interested.
I didn’t get to see him very much over the last 40 years, but when I did, it was always such a pleasure.
A very kind and gentle man.
I will carry very fond memories of him.
To his wife Margie my sincerest condolences. I am so sorry for your loss.
To Steve Jeanne and Jim, as well my deepest sympathies. God‘s peace Mr. Houghton. With love, LeeAnn

~ Lee Liebetreu (Simons) - January 14, 2021

Giant red tomatoes
Blueberry hill song
Fireflies at night
The majestic calm of a Willow tree
Catching fish
Again and again
26 fish!
Duck quacks and giggles
Waiting for Grandma's direction
Madagascar
Sorrento
Catching fish
Again and again
Walks through hills
Learning how to dream
Our silent understanding
The latest Coffee shop by the train
26 fish!
SkipBo, Rummy, Mafia, Phase10
Car talk, Detroit talk, he took his coffee WITH CREAM
Quiet confidence

Only one person never told me it was the same fish. Caught again and again. I'm so glad Ivy got to meet you. Pet Shortcake for me.
Love you Grandpa Houghton

~ Adrienne Houghton - January 14, 2021

We will always remember Lloyd as a kind, soft spoken, and intelligent person. I remember knowing him as a great father to his children and an excellent example to all. I grew up across the street from the Houghtons, in Livonia, so I had the pleasure of knowing him for many years, first as a kid and then as an adult. During that time, I never saw him get angry or upset, even when we brought back his new Lincoln with alcohol vomit; fortunately we could blame Nick for that event. When Lloyd was brought something mechanical, that wasn't working, I remember his analytical look, like you could see him figuring it out in his head; he always seemed to have a solution. Steve and I had a great time with our fathers, and Steve's uncle, on our Canadian fishing trip. The trip became exciting when Lloyd was splashed with gasoline and caught on fire. After running out of the wood rustic cabin, with Steve in close pursuit, they were able to put out the fire. Fortunately Llyod avoided even a minor burn. Even then he was composed and had a good laugh about it. Steve memorialized the event by writing a novel about the trip. When Lloyd smiled you could not help but feel good because his facial expression lit up the room. Years later, as an adult, my wife and I had a great dinner with Margie and Lloyd in Louisville when we were in town for a gymnastics event; I called them up at the last minute and they immediately came over to catch up. Not many kids have that kind of a relationship with the parents of their friend, but the Houghtons were that kind of people. We had the pleasure of seeing Lloyd and Margie at their granddaughters wedding in Columbus; you could tell they were enjoying themselves and the event. I will always remember Lloyd, Margie, my good friend Steve, Jeannie(the driveway dancing star), and Jimmy. My only regret is we never made another fishing trip together.

~ Donald and Donna Samhat - January 13, 2021

I cannot express the sadness I felt when I heard the news of Lloyd’s passing. He was such a good hearted man. He always took time to be there for his family. His love and loyalty to his wife was unmistakable and obvious. Through his actions, he taught that family was everything.

One time, my sister Debbie was over for a visit. She came over in our Mom’s car. When she went to leave, the car didn’t start. Debbie came back in the house in a panic. The first person I thought of was Lloyd. Without hesitation, he came and to our relief, he fixed the car. There are so many more stories like this that I could tell.

I smile when I think of the exaggerated stories, called “Houghton exaggerations”he would tell. He was always up for a laugh and a joke.

I am sad but also happy to have known him. He will be missed.

~ Karen Houghton - January 13, 2021

I remember my Uncle Lloyd as a quiet but strong very decent man. Smart and generous and kind being the father at my cousin's and the Beloved brother of my father it hit me when I had heard that he had died. I hope he met his sister Barbara there in Heaven I know she would smile

~ Jeannette Houghton - January 13, 2021

I knew Lloyd for over 45 years. He was a wonderful, witty, and wise man. One look at my husband and you know he is chip off the old block! Steve had such a great role model. Lloyd was a kind and generous person who took his responsibilities as husband and father seriously. Marjorie, Steve, Jeanne, and Jim were very lucky. 

I remember how excited Lloyd was to become a grandfather to our daughters, Adrienne and Monica. We enjoyed traveling together with Grandpa & Grandma to create memories in Hawaii, Caribbean, Italy, Alaska, Mexico, and Las Vegas. He would enjoy telling you stories about his favorite place in the world - Sorrento, Italy. 

Lloyd made it very clear he wanted to be a great grandfather. The last time I saw him in person was New Years 2020 when he was able to meet his first great grandchild. I am so glad we have the four generation photos of a jubilant Lloyd holding baby Ivy Dawn Houghton Merz!

We will all miss you Lloyd - even the birds, flowers, tomatoes, cookies, pies, lakes, and fish. And thank you for leaving Steve a list of your favorite sayings so we can refer to them whenever we need wisdom or solace. ;-)

~ Dawn Houghton - January 13, 2021

I remember Lloyd for being so kind when he took me in as a teenager. For his patience as he rode with me when I was learning to drive. He would always try to say something to make people laugh. To us he was a good example of a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. We will miss him dearly.

~ Evelyn and Perry Roberts - January 13, 2021

My Dad loved his family and was always there to help us no matter what.
He took joy in the small things in life, like a beautiful day or a good meal shared with loved ones.
He took each day as it came and made the best of it.
He wasn't a worrier and would often comment that "your mother worries enough for the both of us".

Growing up the one thing that was always completely clear to me and anyone who knew dad was his absolute love and dedication to Mom.
Through good times and bad they were always there for each other and nothing on earth would stop him from being there for the love of his life.

Dad never met a stranger, but instead always a new friend.
When you watched, you could see that the people he met could somehow instantly tell that this was a man with no ill will, nothing to hide, and whose
only purpose was to leave each person he met in a better state than he found them in.

Although he is gone now, anyone who had the chance to share time with him felt his joy of living in the moment, his appreciation of the people around him,
and after seeing his joy in helping others could not help but want to pass it along to someone else.

I am incredibly lucky to have been his son.

Like everyone else who knew him, I will always remember the importance of appreciating those around us while we have the chance, to appreciate each moment we are given, and to always "pass it on"

Thank you Dad,

Jim

~ James Houghton - January 13, 2021

I remember vividly when I first met Lloyd ('Grandpa Houghton') - it was at Adrienne's gallery showing in Chicago. I remember being pleasantly surprised at how excited he was to meet me and how respectful he was. It was no different each and every time we saw each other. He knew how to make you feel welcome and his joy was infectious. I really enjoyed his story-telling and he had a sharp mind for humor. I'll certainly remember him for his kindness and respectfulness, but mostly I'll remember him for his ability to laugh. My personal favorite memory of him was playing the 'Thing' game at his house on Easter weekend in 2019, we had lots of laughs— true genuine laughs during that game, and it will be a memory I cherish forever. May he rest peacefully.

~ David Merz III - January 13, 2021

My most fond memory of ‘Dad’, as I would call him when I was in high school hanging out with Jeanne, is him calling me Delta Dawn ... and occasionally breaking out in song! Even at Natalie’s graduation party several years later he remembered me by Delta Dawn when I went to say hello. Although I didn’t see him much in my adult years ... I will always love and remember my being his ‘Delta Dawn’. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and all that knew him through this sad time. Love you ‘Dad’.

~ Dawn (McGuire) Scicluna - January 13, 2021

I loved my dad.

He loved all of us. He loved everyone he met. His most cherished memories were moments in time shared with others. While most of us accumulate “stuff” over the course of our lives, my dad accumulated memories. To him, the greatest gifts he ever received were talking to family and friends.

My dad loved to laugh. He loved hearing jokes as much as telling them. Every time I talked with my dad, we would laugh at something [“Lord Love A Duck”]. He always loved a good story and would listen to others and help in whatever way he could.

Underneath his jovial self was a quiet brilliance. He was smart - look who he married. He loved my mom and would do anything for her. He counted on her for everything and he loved her because she loved him.

Some of my most favorite memories were sharing time with my dad and going on fishing trips. He loved to fish, and I’ll never forget those special moments when he would reel in a keeper. There are photos on the wall near his computer with some of his more memorable catches.

I feel fortunate to have “caught” him as my father. I’ll miss his quirky smile, his laugh, and his love. His was a life well lived and loved. Love you dad.

~ Steve Houghton - January 13, 2021

My dad called me “pumpkin” and I was daddy’s little girl. I looked up to and admired this man as anyone who touched his life did. My dad laughed loud, worked hard and loved with his whole heart. One of his favorite pastime was fishing. He loved being out in his boat in the open water. His corny saying and jokes would always make you laugh. I remember the beautiful roses my dad nurtured and delicious tomatoes he grew. He was lighthearted and enjoyed making people smile. He looked on the bright side of life and was generous to a fault with his time, energy and resources. My dad was a fierce protector of his family and extended family. This happy, loving and generous man will be missed by so many but especially me. I love you and you will always remain in my heart dad!

~ Jeanne Schults - January 13, 2021

Dear Margie and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Lloyd was a wonderful man to know. He always had a welcoming way about him, a kind smile, and a quick wit. I loved his jokes...even if I had heard them already. I have many memories of Lloyd throughout the over forty years I knew him. The last time I saw Lloyd was at granddaughter Adrienne and David's wedding, in 2017. I will always remember Lloyd and Margie on the dance floor...the longest married couple.
Cheers to Lloyd...to a lasting marriage, a beautiful family, a successful career, and a life well lived. We will miss him.
With Love and Condolences,
Sharon and Kevin Kneip

~ Sharon Kneip - January 12, 2021

Lloyd was the person in our family that everyone looked up to. I know he loved his family, gardening and fishing! I remember spending the night and playing our early version of Karaoke singing to Patty Duke and never getting in trouble for making so much noise! Our own Dad was rather gruff and more of the ‘children should be seen and not heard’ so that really made an impression on me. We even performed our routine and Lloyd patiently watched us!

He was always generous and kind and had a quirky sense of humor that sometimes left you wondering what he meant. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

~ Pamela Spence - January 12, 2021

My Grandpa was a jolly man! He had grand speeches to share and words of wisdom to pass on. He also had a ton of strength, something I believe us Houghtons have in common!

He came to visit me in San Francisco years ago, and since that trip would share fond memories with me of his stay. Every time I would call to say hi, he would ask “how is Frisco!?” :)

I also remember when my sister and I were little we would walk with him around the neighborhood to the pond and pet Shortcake (his favorite neighborhood dog).

You will be missed Grandpa!

Love,
Monica

~ Monica Houghton - January 12, 2021

We are mourning the loss of this wonderful man. We will miss Lloyd very much. He was always such a kind gentleman. He had cute stories and jokes to tell. He had a sweet smile and a sparkle in his eyes. He was always inquisitive, attentive, and genuinely interested in others. I’m pretty sure everyone he knew adored him. You will be missed by all of us. We love you, Marge, and our thoughts are with you as you recover.
Love, Christine Joe and Gabi Mosey

~ Christine Mosey - January 12, 2021

Lloyd was a fine man. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He had a great sense of humor and always was a pleasant addition to any family gathering. He will be missed by all who appreciated and loved him.

~ John and Sondra Ilnicki - January 12, 2021