Leslie Howard Houghton

Les H. Houghton, 73, of Farmington passed into eternity on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Farmington. He was born in Marshalltown, IA, to Howard and Hulene Houghton on April 21, 1942. Les married Karen Western, his childhood neighbor, on August 28, 1965. He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Karen, sons Scott (Terri) of Seattle, WA, and their children, Alexis, Sydney, and Cameron; Chad (Landa) of Farmington,and their children, Matthew, Elizabeth, and Alyssa; brother, Larry of Cookston, OK; and various nieces and nephews. Les was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Ron of Crawford, CO. Les graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Electrical Engineering degree in 1968 from Colorado State University. He was employed by General Electric and BHP for many years, retiring in 2002. Les was the Treasurer for the San Juan County Science Fair for 20 years. He was involved in Boy Scouts, participating in Wood Badge, and leading Explorer Post 321 for a number of years. For his contribution to youth, Les was awarded the St. George Emblem from the Catholic Church.Les and Karen spent 10 summers at Belfair State Park, Washington, as campground hosts, as well as many treasured RV trips with their children, grandchildren, and the numerous friends they made throughout the years.A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, July 21 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 22 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Father Thomas Maikowski,Celebrant. Internment will take place at St. Mary's Resurrection Columbarium. Memorial contributions can be made to San Juan Regional Science Fair (P.O. Box 341, Farmington, NM 87499. 505-716-5132. http://www.sjrsef.org). Les' care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688. Cremation has taken place.