Charles "Chig" Houchins
August 09, 2020
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Service Details
Charles “Chig” Mahan Houchins, 76, died on Sunday, August 9, 2020 of an apparent heart attack while out riding his bike.
Chig was born on January 10, 1944 in Montgomery, West Virginia, the son of Eugene and Evelyn Houchins. He graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1961 and West Virginia University in 1965. On August 28, 1965 he married Sandy Sue Soles and they went on to raise three daughters. Although he always considered West Virginia his home, he also lived in Virginia and Illinois before settling in Iowa in 1980.
After a short stint as an engineer, he spent most of his career in sales. The C.M. Houchins Company was successful due to Chig’s honesty, dedication, and love of people.
In retirement, he worked as a substitute associate at Waukee Schools, where he loved helping children. He was an active member of Windsor United Methodist Church. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, the Maharrys, church friends, golf buddies, his breakfast group, and many others – both friends and strangers. He relished all things West Virginia, singing in the church choir, traveling, and “fixing” things at his daughters’ houses.
He will be remembered for his generous spirit, loving nature, quirks, and his frustration when being mistaken for an old person.
He is survived by his three daughters, Lisa Houchins (Brendan McCallum), Betsy Houchins (Hal Lunsford), and Carrie Houchins-Witt (Corey Houchins-Witt); six grandchildren, Olivia, Sean, Gavin, Christian, Waylon and Carter Birch; his brother, Gene Houchins Jr.; and a large extended family.
Chig was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 51 years Sandy, and his sister Junelle Avery.
A Celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Windsor United Methodist Church, 6222 University Avenue in Des Moines, IA. Unvaccinated persons are respectfully asked to wear masks.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Windsor United Methodist Church or the Michael J. Fox Foundation, since Chig was proud to live a full and active life despite his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1999. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Linda Church
07/30/2021
Chig was such a nice guy-I had known him since the early 1980's as my Rubbermaid rep when I was a buyer at CFS. He would go out of his way to help me source products and was always a cheerful sunny visitor. Years later he made an effort to stop by to say hi from time to time. Such a bright light, will continue to be missed by so many of us. Comfort to his family in knowing how any lives he touched..
Linda Myers
08/15/2020
I was deeply saddened when I heard news of Chigs passing. So sorry for your loss. We looked forward to seeing him every year at the Come On Home Reunion here in Fayetteville, WV. And, during his brief stay in town, he would often find time to come by the house for a visit too! He was a great friend, & will be missed so very much. My heartfelt sympathy & prayers for the family.
Kris Powell
08/15/2020
Mr. Charles will be greatly missed in the Waukee Community School District. Seeing his face as a sub to work with my students always put a smile on my face. He was always so kind and respectful and kids of all ages loved him. Some of my students even called him Santa when he had his beard! He absolutely always exuded the same joy. I know he is happy to be reunited with his beloved wife, he always spoke so highly of her. My deepest condolences to his daughters and grandchildren. He was so proud of you all!
Walter & Nancy Witt
08/14/2020
We know Chig through our daughter-in-law Carrie. When we were with Chig he was always an upbeat and friendly guy. He was easy to like. Through Carrie's stories over the years we know him to be an excellent Dad. He was loved by his daughters and he clearly loved them. We knew him to be a man of service who would volunteer to help others whenever he could. Chig will always be remembered by us as a truly good man.
Dale Dodrill
08/12/2020
Chig and I had a friendship which started in 1961 almost 60 years ago. We were in IE together and roomed together as brothers in the Sigma Nu house at WVU. He was a great friend, an amazing athlete, and one with well defined priorities. He always astonished me and many others that he could go to Fairmont to see Sandy, return at midnight (or later), study all night for a final, and pass! And that was one of his good study habits. Carolyn and I loved Chig and Sandy, and are deeply saddened that both are gone. We always looked forward to a visit when he was on the way to WV, and his instant spark made each stop a memorable one. Our hearts go out to you, his girls and your families, as I know that you have been his priorities for so many years. His obituary was Chig as was his manner of passing. Thank you for sharing those thoughts with us and for sharing him for so many years.
Jade Wadding
08/12/2020
I had the honor of knowing and working with Mr. Charles at Waukee Schools. He will alway hold a very special place in my heart! His smile could brighten any day! He was a blessing and joy to know.
Gary Hendershot
08/12/2020
Condolences on the sad news. Im one of the original in our 25 year foursome to Bella Vista. Darrell Fromm and Tim Smith joined us in about year 5. Tim is deceased and Darrell is now 86 and no longer able to play. I played a round with Ghig in early spring and just spoke with him a few weeks ago about doing it again soon.I'm all alone now but will tip my hat to the others every time I step up to the first tee. The 4 of us loved each other like brothers. God's blessing to the family. He is on his way to join Sandy.
Mike and Linda Streck
08/12/2020
Lisa and Brendan, so very sorry to hear of your father's passing. He sounds like a wonderful man that made a true impact on so many lives. May a lifetime of wonderful memories bring you comfort.
Mike and Linda
Kate Pollock
08/12/2020
Mr. Charles was such a joy to have in our classroom when he was a substitute associate. He will be missed by many!
Lisbeth Montes
08/12/2020
Charles was my favorite sub at Waukee Schools. He always had a good story for either kids or adults:)
We loved seeing him when he rode his bike and stopped for a chat.
We will miss him.
Steve Davis
08/12/2020
I always loved seeing Chig when I would make it back to Windsor on my Iowa visits. I have very fond memories of his humor and sunny disposition. We sat and had a nice long talk at the Bidler's a couple years ago and I am very grateful for that. My sincere condolences and love to you three.
Jo Hromatka
08/12/2020
I had the pleasure to work with
"Mr. Charles" at Waukee Schools.
He was a favorite with students and staff. I have two family members with Parkinson's Disease, so we had that connection as well.
I enjoyed taking him to the Parkinson's conference. Wonderful man!
Sandra Bell
08/12/2020
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Chig's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many memories of your Dad - one that is at the top is when he stood in the doorway of the choir room one Christmas Eve and announced that the "donkey died". That was when Windsor had the live Nativity and he was instrumental in gathering up the animals. He made a difference he'll be missed.
Fran Reel
08/11/2020
Charles was one of my substitute associates at Waukee Schools. He was soft-spoken and so caring. It was obvious how much he loved working with the kids. And the kids loved him. Im glad I was able to know him. Charles was a wonderful person.
Annie Miller
08/11/2020
Mr. Charles as the students would call him was always such a welcoming and kind man! My students enjoyed having him as a substitute. He cared so deeply for the kids and was always so proud to show the work that the students completed with him. I am forever grateful for his kind heart and golfing stories! I am so glad our paths crossed. Thinking of you all during this time.