Posted on 12/05/2018
Franklin Caldwell Houser, Jr., passed away December 3, 2018. Born December 8, 1924 in Thomasville, Georgia, he grew to manhood in Jacksonville, Florida attending West Riverside Elementary, John Gorrie Jr. High School and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, followed by one year at Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama until he was eighteen. Frank then joined the United States Army Air Corps and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer, First Lieutenant, during World War II, and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1961. Following a three year Tour of Duty in the Army Air Corps, he attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and later attended the University of Florida graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Frank was a F.A.A. Licensed Commercial Pilot with ratings for Single and Multi-Engine Land Aircraft and was Instrument Rated. Prior to his death, he worked at W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc. for 54 years serving as its Executive Vice President. He was baptized as a member of the Baptist Church in Thomasville, Georgia. After marriage to Paula Shepard Treisbach, they transferred their membership to St. Johns Presbyterian Church, where his faith in the Lord matured and became everlasting. Frank held active memberships in various Civic and Professional Organizations including the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers since 1968 where he served as Vice Chairman of Region XII, and was a past President of the Jacksonville Chapter. He was also a 45 year plus member and past President of the Rotary Club of West Jacksonville. Frank was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Paula Treisbach Houser, sister Delia Houser McGehee and husband Thomas R. McGehee. Survivors include his children; Scott Caldwell Houser and wife Leann (Fox), Thomas Owen Houser, and William Franklin Houser, (5) Grandchildren, Hali Katherina Houser, Cason Rhodes Houser, Ella Adelia Houser, John (J.D.) Madison Davis Fox, Michaela Leann Fox, Niece Dede McGehee, Nephew Thomas (Mac) R. McGehee, Jr., good neighbors William W. Gay & Eloise Gay (deceased), and close friend Arden Hudson. Frank was a loving, dedicated grandfather and his generosity and mentorship filled a critical need in their lives. His love and friendship not only extended to those mentioned above, but also to all employees of W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc., both active and retired.
A Memorial Service will be held December 7, 2018, at 11:00am in St. Johns Presbyterian Church, 4275 Herschel Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32210. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the "Living Waters" Ministry at St. Johns Presbyterian Church, 4275 Herschel St., Jacksonville, Florida 32210. HARDAGE-GIDDENS EDGEWOOD CHAPEL, 729 Edgewood Ave. S., Jacksonville, FL 32205 is serving the family.
Published in the Florida Times-Union on Dec. 5, 2018