Billie F. Houston, 77, of Austin, died on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Mesa, Ariz.

Bill was born Sept. 19, 1934, in Austin to Gilbert and Audury (Jeffers) Houston. He graduated from Austin High School in 1952. He served his country in the Navy during the Korean War. On Nov. 25, 1956, Bill married Beverly B. Babcock at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. He was employed as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, Hormel, and then retired from the Postal Service as a clerk.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years: Bev; sons: Brian (Deanna), Tom (Lisa), Todd (Theresa) and daughter: Sue (James Crabtree); grandchildren: Christine, Mathew, Katherine, Amy, Amber, Heather, Alexander, Tyler and Noah; four great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Kristi Koppel officiating. Austin Post 91 American Legion is in charge of military rites. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.