2/13/1941 – 7/16/2025
Lawrence
Walter Charles Houk, Jr., 84, of Lawrence, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living of Lawrence. He was born in Lawrence on February 13, 1941, to Walter Charles Houk, Sr. and Elizabeth (Betty) Houk Spencer.
He was raised in Lawrence, Kansas, graduated from Lawrence High School and attended The University of Kansas.
He married his beloved wife, Janice LeeAnn (Stewart) Houk, on August 9, 1959. They have two children, Kent Houk and Kimberly (Houk) Bickling and her husband, Ryan; four grandchildren, Zachary Bickling, Mackenzie Bickling, Coleman Houk, and Chase Houk; one great-grandson, Calvin Walter Houk; and one sister, Becky Gaurotte. Walt was with Maupintour for 35+ years and was an owner of Travellers, Inc. He is also survived by his close friends and business partners Judi Rawlings (>50 years), John Novotny (>40 years). and Rosemary Stipe (>30 years).
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Houk Spencer, and father, Walter C. Houk, Sr. who was killed in action in WWII in Germany.
Walt was in the travel business since he was 17 years old and travelled extensively to many places in the world, often with his family and business partners. His travels took him to the Caribbean, Mexico, Cozumel, Merida, Central America, South Pacific, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Europe, the Orient, and the entire United States. He was President and Board Member to many travel organizations. He enjoyed spending time with those he loved.
His main hobby/interest was in baseball, and he was one the founders of DCABA (Douglas County Baseball Association), Travellers Semi-Pro team and coached in the South Park League and American Legion, working with youths and young men for over 50 years. He established friendships with hundreds of his players.
He was active in other organizations: Lawrence Country Club, Board of Directors on the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Cosmo Breakfast Club, and the Quarterback, Roundball, and Diamond clubs at KU. He also helped start Crime Stoppers.
A celebration of Walt’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Walt Houk Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044. To leave a message for Walt’s family, please visit www.Rumsey-Yost.com.
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