Robert Lee Houck Jr., of Livingston, Texas, passed away on September 2, 2024, at the age of 72. He was born on July 23, 1952, in Newark, Ohio, to Robert Lee Houck Sr. and Betty Lou Dean.
Robert spent most of his formative years in Houston, Texas, where he graduated from Spring Woods High School. He relocated to Arizona in his thirties, spending the majority of his life there raising his daughter. Robert returned to his Texas roots in 2008.
Throughout his life, Robert was a man of remarkable creativity and unwavering dedication. His passion and artistic flair were evident in everything he crafted. His early years saw him as the owner of an interior design business, where his creativity blossomed in his faux pas masterpieces and exquisite wallpaper murals. Recently, he channeled his creative energies into crafting metal sculptures, a passion he shared with his beloved Mary. His dedication to his craft was unwavering, and his commitment to excellence was a testament to his character.
Robert avidly loved cars, motorcycles, and anything with an engine. His automotive passions included building and tuning top fuel dragsters, restoring old cars and motorcycles. He was always proud to show off what he was building; his works were masterpieces. Robert's automotive passions were shared closely with his daughter Aubre. She was often by his side, participating in what he was building. More recently, they spent their time together at the racetrack, where they shared their love for speed. Robert spent his final days in the garage tinkering on his Harley Davidson, laying the groundwork for his family to continue his vision of rebuilding his old panhead.
Music was another of Robert's great loves. He was a skilled bass guitarist, a talent he shared with several bands over the years, including Dirty Laundry, Popa String and Krambone River. His home was always open for jam sessions, where he and his loved ones would bond over their shared hobbies. His memory will live on in the music they continue to create and play.
Robert was a deeply loved father, grandfather, partner, and friend. His love for those around him was boundless, and he was a rock to many, sharing his wisdom, life lessons, and opinions along the way. His friends and family remember how he stood by them when they needed him the most and how he fiercely fought for those he loved. His love was a guiding light, and his words of wisdom will carry on through the lives he has touched.
He is survived by his daughter, Aubre Shaffer, and her husband, Matthew Shaffer, of Allen, Texas; his grandson, Logan McKissack, also of Allen, Texas; his mother, Betty Lou Bowdren, of Smithville, Texas; his brother, Brad Houck, of Houston, Texas; his sister, Melinda Brown; his bonus daughter, Desiree Finkelstein, of Allen, Texas; his bonus son, Jacob Ulibarri, of Phoenix, Arizona; and his beloved partner, Mary Taylor, of Shepherd, Texas.