Colfax—Jack Taylor Houchens, 95, of Colfax, passed away at 12:25 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Ascension Living, Villa Franciscan Place, Joliet.

Cremation rites have been accorded with a Graveside Inurnment at 2:00 pm, Friday, August 9, 2024, in Wiley Cemetery, Colfax.  Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax, is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to Narvick House c/o Illinois Valley Industries, 1033 Third Avenue, Morris, Illinois 60450.

Mr. Houchens, was born January 10, 1929 in Barren County, Kentucky; a son to Tom and Florence (Rigney) Houchens. He married Rose Storment on July 1, 1950 in Anchor. His beautiful wife of 74 years survives him.

He is also survived by his children, Jacqueline (Jerry) Briones and Glenda (Terry) Kreimeier, both of Channahon; Terry (Michele) Houchens of Minooka; and Dora (Richard) Kruger of Channahon. Jack was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Jason (Teresa) Briones, Jill Briones, Stephen (Olivia) Kreimeier, David Kreimeier, Christopher (Mel) Houchens, Chad (Katie) Kruger, and Jared Kruger. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Evan Briones and Lincoln Houchens. Additionally, Jack is survived by several nieces and nephews. He shared a special bond with his nephew, George Houchens of Colorado, who frequently visited Jack and Rose.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, four sisters, and two grandchildren, Joann Briones and Michael Houchens.

Jack began his career as a farmhand in the Colfax area before becoming a proud union painter in Chicago. He later owned and operated a farm in Kentucky. Upon retiring to Colfax, he enjoyed doing odd jobs, fishing, and mowing yards. Jack was also known for his passion for tinkering in his garage, where he crafted inventive gadgets and contraptions to solve any issues at hand.