The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

John B Van Houten, 86, left this world and walked straight into the arms of Jesus on June 20. John was a native of Hawarden, Ia., born on Sept. 27, 1926, and was a long time resident of Beaumont and Vidor.

A member of "The Greatest Generation" he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany during World War Il. After the war he went to work for Mobil Refinery in the Lab where he worked 37 years, retiring in 1985.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 26 years Evelyn Powell Van Houten (Evie) of Vidor; son Kenneth Van Houten of Wyoming; daughter Darlene Julian of Palestine, TX; five grandchildren, Deanna Julian, Daniel Julian, David Julian, Shanna Sterling, and Angie Cathcart; three step-children Debra Powell Phillips of Vidor, Paul Powell of McGregor, TX., and David Powell of Katy; seven step-grandchildren, Marvin Phillips Jr., Steven Phillips, Jenny Phillips Gross, Jon Phillips, Matthew Phillips, Brian Powell, and Lisa Powell Martinez; 19 great, and step great grandchildren; and sister Dena Baker.

He was predeceased by his son Joe Van Houten; son-in-law, Dennis Julian; and step-grandson, Joshua Phillips.

John was a member of Trinity Baptist Church of Vidor. Burial will be at Del Rose Cemetery in Vidor. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 2:00 pm, and the funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, June 23, at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor.