John C. Houldsworth, CDR USNR (Ret.)
Age 84, of Lansing, MI, passed away June 30, 2019. He was born January 27, 1935, in Altoona, PA, to Paul and Ruth Houldsworth.
John served 20+ years in the Navy. He played the saxophone and was a great Jazz musician. John also enjoyed literature. He will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, June; children, John Patrick, Eric (Rosie), Heather (John) Messing, and Michael; grandchildren, Erika, Marah, Jordan, Katie, Johnny, Sarah, and Noah; and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Patrick, and sister Ann.
His family will receive friends and relatives from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, where a funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to McLaren Hospice or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be left for John’s family at www.EstesLeadley.com
11 Messages to “John C. Houldsworth, CDR USNR (Ret.)”
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Eric D Ekholm
July 1, 2019 at 5:12 pmPlease accept my heartfelt condolences.
Dale M. Herder
July 2, 2019 at 7:32 amFair winds and following seas, shipmate and colleague John.
Your wit, breadth of knowledge, and integrity will be missed by all of us who knew and served with you. Rest in peace.
Dale Herder
June Houldsworth
July 4, 2019 at 12:32 pmThank you, Dale, for your beautiful words. Just perfect. John thought so much of you and truly valued your friendship. I know, because he told me so many times. Warmest regards, June.
Kristin Joy Nichols
July 2, 2019 at 4:46 pmYou were so patient and such a talented musician when you helped a scared high school freshman learn the difficult marching band music all the older students could play. It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing. By the time our tutoring session was done, I was excited to get to band class the next day and play the heck out of that song. I no longer hated it, I enjoyed it – thanks to you. That was 36 years ago. Will always be so grateful.
Mary K Barnes
July 2, 2019 at 6:31 pmMy condolences to June & John’s children. I worked with John during the Tri-County Manpower Programs were in our City. Always an “Officer & a Gentleman”. Peace be with you my friend and may the Angels come to meet you.
Angie Mitosinka
July 2, 2019 at 6:46 pmHe referred to himself as the BBITWDW, The best boss in the whole damn world, and he was, June, J.P., Heather, Eric, Mike and all the grandchildren, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a joy for to visit and share memories with of his family and our times working together at Clinton County Manpower/Clinton Development Commission. He will be missed by many. RIP my friend.
Keith L Phillips CDR USN Retired
July 3, 2019 at 12:22 pmJohn, you were one of the most human persons I have had the pleasure of knowing and serving with.
Vaya con Dios
Thomas Miller
July 3, 2019 at 3:26 pmYour where a amazing man and your where great Uncle I will always will remember your kindness Rest In Peace.
Elena Gravina Keller
July 3, 2019 at 7:03 pmMy sympathy to the family of John. I worked at the City of Lansing at the same time as John and June. A very gentle man.
June Houldsworth
July 4, 2019 at 12:27 pmHow lovely to hear from you. John and I often remembered you so fondly. Loved your sense of humor. Those were the days, huh! I do hope you are doing well. Warmest best wishes to you. June
Chris and Marcy Christoff
July 4, 2019 at 12:13 amOur heartfelt condolences to June and her family.