Robert L. Houghtaling Sr.

Robert Louis Houghtaling, Sr., 86, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 15, 2010 in Battle Creek, MI. He was born June 18, 1923 in Battle Creek, MI the son of Charles Harold Houghtaling and Lucille (Osborn) Houghtaling. Robert served his country in the U S Army and Air Corps during World War II as a Sergeant from 1943 until 1945. After his honorable discharge, Bob worked for the Coca Cola bottling company and Eaton Manufacturing. He joined the Battle Creek Police Department in September of 1954, retiring there as Deputy Chief in 1981 after 26 years of dedicated service. He held the Medal of Valor, the highest decoration of the BCPD for his role in thwarting a bank robbery at the Michigan National Bank in May of 1970. He then worked as founder and director of the Calhoun County Community Alternative Program (CAP) for three and a half years, leaving to take a job as Bedford Township Public Safety Director, a post he held for 8 years. In 2000, Bob started working for his son - Buddy, at his dental office, a joyful end to a wonderful career. Bob was united in marriage to Betty E. Gibson on November 28, 1942 in Battle Creek, MI; she preceded him in death on December 13, 1999. Robert Houghtaling, Sr. is survived by his son: Dr. Robert L. "Buddy" and Tina Houghtaling, Jr. DDS of Climax, MI; three daughters: Robin A. and Rick Barrett, Betty Lou and Rusty Eberhard and Linda A. and Benjamin Jerzyk all of Battle Creek; his son-in-law: Duane Roush of Lansing, MI; 22 grandchildren: Michael Roush, Michelle Meese, Julie Fountain, Steven Roush, Adam Houghtaling, Hannah Houghtaling, Brandon Houghtaling, Jared Houghtaling, Jordan Houghtaling, Kadin Houghtaling, Lynnette Huebner, Douglas Jerzyk, Jeffrey Jerzyk, Thomas Barrett, Mark Barrett, Sarah Barrett, Rachel Barrett, Robert Barrett, Cynthia Barrett, Russell Eberhard, Zachary Eberhard, and Jessica Eberhard; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty, on December 13, 1999; daughter, Diana G. Roush, August 1, 2005; and great-grandson, Gavin Huebner, on October 26, 2008. Bob attended Battle Creek Central, later received his GED, attended KCC and Nazareth College to study criminal justice and completed his Bachelor's degree in 1978 and continued work toward his Master's Degree at Western Michigan University. Bob was the first person from the Battle Creek Police Department to be invited to attend the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia and completed the training in 1973. Bob was a faithful member of the Battle Creek Seventh Day Adventist Tabernacle; he was a former member of the Battle Creek Exchange Club and played in the Exchange Club Band. He was a lover of music and an excellent musician. He loved playing the guitar, banjo and organ. He was an avid reader of The Bible and other spiritual books. He liked to putter in his garage and loved woodworking. He always demonstrated a captivating smile and a gentleman's hand shake. Visitation will be held at Bachman Hebble Funeral Service on Monday (April 19, 2010) where the family will be present from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services commemorating the life of Bob Houghtaling will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2010, in the Bachman Funeral Chapel with Pastor Bruce Moore, Pastor Doug Carlson, Mr. Eric Velez and Mr. Byron Hudson officiating. Burial will follow with honors by the Battle Creek Police Department Honor Guard at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial tributes may be made to Lifespan-Good Samaritan Hospice Care or Battle Creek Academy. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145