Donald C. “Don” Houston, 91, of Derry, NH, died, Sunday, March 18, 2007 in the Parkland Medical Center in Derry. Don was born in West Newbury, MA on December 27, 1915, a son of the late Albert and Blanche (Shannon) Houston. He had been a lifelong resident of Derry and had attended the Derry school system. Don was US Marine veteran serving during WWII. Don was a 70 year member of the Grange, and a President of the Derry Historical Society and Curator of the Museum. He served on the Heritage Commission; served on the board of the Marion Gerrish Center, and had served as a Director of the Youth Marines. Don had also served as a special police officer in Derry. He was a 60 plus year member of the First Parish Church, served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, a Moderator of the Church, and was involved in the Sunday School Program. Don was also one of the authors of the book, “Turnpike to Interstate”.
He is survived by two daughters, Elaine Glod of Derry, and Glenna Houston of Norfolk, VA; two grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Marion (Kimball) Houston who died in 1992, and a son, David W. Houston.
There are no calling hours. Following cremation, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 24th at 2:00pm in First Parish Church, 47 E. Derry Rd., E. Derry. The burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in E. Derry in the spring. The family requests memorial contributions to the First Parish Church, (for Historical Preservation), PO Box 114. E. Derry, NH 03041. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry, is handling the arrangements.