David Arlan Houser

David Arlan Houser, 92, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on June 6, 2021.  David was born in Ottawa, Kansas, on September 29, 1928, to Willard and Cleo Houser.  His family later lived in Wellsville, Kansas, and moved to Topeka in 1942.

After graduating from Topeka High School, David earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree at Kansas State College.  He was married to Ruth Curtis on June 8, 1952.  He was a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army, stationed in El Paso, Texas, from 1952-1954.  He then worked for several architectural firms in Topeka over the next 34 years.  After retiring from Slemmons Associates, Architects in 1988, he continued to do freelance architectural work for many years.

David was an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, where he served on many committees and taught Sunday School.

During his retirement, David volunteered at Hope Street Academy (rocking babies over the lunch hour), Vida Ministry, Midland Hospice – and for many years at the Combat Air Museum, where he helped restore airplanes, gave tours, and built airplane riding toys for the gift shop. He loved flying to airshows with friends.

David was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth. Survivors include two sisters, Gloria June Cunningham and Mary (Irvin) Isbell, as well as his children, Carol (Danny) Thomas, Cathy Armstrong, and Connie Houser.   His grandchildren, Melissa (Theodore) Riddle, J.D. Armstrong, Andrew (Alaina Mendoza) Armstrong, Joseph (Emily) Thomas, and his great-granddaughter, Olive Kay Thomas, were very precious to him.  He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service is scheduled at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4746 SW 21st Street, on Monday, June 21st, at 1:00 p.m. We request that you please wear a facemask, if you have not yet been vaccinated for Covid, or you can watch the service on Trinity's website or Facebook page. Memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, the Topeka Rescue Mission, or the Combat Air Museum.