Ronald Gene Houser, 89, of Tacoma, Washington, joined his Lord in Heaven on September 5, 2024.  Ron was born February 19, 1935, in Yakima, Washington, to Harry and Leota (Cooley) Houser.  He graduated high school in 1954, attended Yakima Valley Junior College in 1955, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Puget Sound in 1971 and later graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a Masters Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. On February 11, 1956, Ron was united in marriage to Shirley Morris.  They were blessed with 68 wonderful years together.

In 1959, Ron began his career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and spent 13 years at the United States Penitentiary on McNeil Island.  He then transferred to the Federal Correctional Institution in Sandstone, Minnesota, where he retired in 1985 after 25+ years of service.  Following his retirement, he and Shirley returned to the Tacoma area where Ron began his second career working in security with Boeing, retiring from there in 1995.

Ron was an avid outdoorsman with many hobbies including bowhunting, fishing, taxidermy, metal detecting and rock hounding.  He enjoyed endless hours fishing the Pacific Northwest's best lakes and streams.  As a member of local rockhound and metal detecting clubs, he will be remembered for instilling the excitement of finding and polishing beautiful rocks and discovering buried treasures in many other club members.

Ron is survived by his wife of 68 years, Shirley (Morris); children Linda Houser Volk, Cindy Houser Fibranz, Rick (Cheryl) Houser, David (Michelle) Houser; and sister, Waneta (Ross) Simmons.  Ron also celebrated having eight grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, with one more on the way, who all adored him.

All who knew Ron are grateful for the years of love, guidance, humor and example he instilled by demonstrating what it means to be a good man.  We honor and celebrate the life of Ronald Gene Houser who touched our hearts and lives with his kindness, humor and unwavering faith with a service on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at Mountain Highway Baptist Church, 24621 36th Avenue Court East, Spanaway, Washington.

Rest in Peace Ron/Dad/Grandpa in the knowledge of having led a great life and that many people mourn the loss of your presence.