Kenneth Purnell "Ken" Houston, 74, of Monticello, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 5:34 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Ken was born on Friday, February 9, 1951, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Eugene Allen and Dorothy Irene (Bir) Houston, both of whom preceded him in death.

On October 1, 2022, in Winamac, Indiana, Ken married the love of his life, Carolyn M. Boggs, who survives.

Ken was a 1969 graduate of Twin Lakes High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, earning All-State honors in football and recognition as a member of the Golden Throats. He continued his education and athletic career at St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, Indiana, participating in football and track, and later attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Ken then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably during the Vietnam era. While enlisted, he continued his education and, following his honorable discharge, completed his degree with honors in Industrial Arts at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Ken believed deeply in education and lifelong learning, values he carried throughout his career. He began working at a young age at Malmquist Bakery, cleaning baking pans, and later worked for Captain Bill Luse at Twin Lakes Enterprises and for Bob Overman during his teaching years. Ken served the City of Monticello as Parks Superintendent and Parks Board President.

Ken dedicated more than 35 years to teaching at Twin Lakes High School, where he left a lasting impact on generations of students. He was widely known and respected for both his teaching and coaching, earning induction into the Indiana High School Wrestling Hall of Fame. His coaching career spanned Little League, Pee Wee Football, high school football, track, and wrestling. As an educator, Ken taught Industrial Arts and Project Lead the Way, while also motivating students to pursue their dreams and guiding them toward positive futures.

Following his retirement from teaching, Ken continued his service to the community as a two-term Mayor of Monticello. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of the new Monticello Fire Station and Wastewater Treatment Plant, as well as the completion of numerous community crossing projects. After serving as mayor, he remained active in city leadership as an at-large City Councilman.

Ken's lifelong passions included fishing—especially the annual trips to his brother Ed's home in North Dakota—golf, and memorable family vacations to Myrtle Beach. He taught himself to play the ukulele and enjoyed singing for Carolyn and his family. Ken and Carolyn shared a deep love for travel, adventure, laughter, and creativity. Through Carolyn, Ken discovered pottery and clay work, delighting in creating his own unique figurines. He was also a devoted Purdue Athletics fan and a loyal Chicago Bears supporter.

Ken is survived by his wife, Carolyn Houston of Monticello, Indiana; children, Jason Arbuckle and Alicia (David) Weyreter; siblings, Edward "Ed" (Maryjane) Houston, Beverly Chadwick, Susan (Mike) Marchetti, Nancy (Bill) Creech, Ron (Micky) Houston, Brian (Kate) Houston, Sandra (Greg) Johnson, and Lori (Bill) Cheever; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Cynthia Lawson, Karen Blevins, and Ernie (Julie) Boggs; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene A. and Dorothy I. (Bir) Houston; sisters, Barbara Vandervate, Judy Claypool, and Carol Wild; and brothers, David Eugene Houston and Michael Wayne Houston.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Auxiliary Gym of Twin Lakes High School, 300 S. 3rd Street, Monticello, Indiana 47960. Parking will be available in the lot between the football field and Roosevelt Middle School; please enter through Door 17.

A Celebration of Life service will follow at 7:00 p.m., with Pastor Mark Newman officiating, also at the Auxiliary Gym of Twin Lakes High School.

A private family service with full military rites will be conducted at I.O.O.F. Riverview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to AMVETS Post #91, American Legion Post #81, or VFW Post #2231, all of Monticello, Indiana. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home, the school, or may be mailed to the post of your choice, care of the Houston Family.

Deibel's Funeral Home is honored to assist the Houston family during this difficult time. Messages of condolence or photo memories may be shared at www.deibelsfh.com.