CHARLES HOUCHINS

ESSEX -- Charles W. Houchins, 78, of Essex died Monday, Nov. 16, 1998, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

He was born Feb. 23, 1920, at Clarkton, son of William T. and Grace Bond Houchins. He and Tennie L. Tate were married May 3, 1941, at Gideon.

Houchins lived in Sikeston many years, moving to Essex in 1980. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, Gary Houchins of Bloomfield, Charles, Larry and Frank Houchins, all of Essex; four daughters, Priscilla Oliver and Glenna Cline of Sikeston, Shelby Copelin of Morley, Bonnie Byrd of Benton; a brother, John Houchins of Whitewater; two sisters, Lucille Gamble of Clarkton, Marie Lollars of St. Louis; 17 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son and a daughter.

Friends may call at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Billy Jones officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery at Sikeston.