Lee Van Houten

Lee Morton Van Houten, 86, of Provo, passed away on November 13, 2016, at his home.  Lee was born on June 12, 1930 to Ross Elmer Van Houten and Ruth Alice Spencer in Humboldt, Kansas.

Dad grew up on a farm outside of Humboldt, Kansas.  He attended Humboldt High School.  He joined the US Air Force right out of high school and spent 21½ years serving our country.   He met Nancy Marie Forbes while he was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, they were married on June 30, 1951, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Dad joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 19, 1952.  Their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George Utah LDS Temple on March 12, 1954.

Dad and Mom began their married life in Michigan where they lived until 1954.  While Dad was stationed in Tripoli, Libya their first daughter, Leone, was born.  In 1956, they moved to San Antonio, Texas where Robin and Mark were born.  In 1962, they moved to Wahiawa, Hawaii; then in 1965, they moved to San Angelo, Texas.  In 1966, they moved to Provo, Utah where they lived together for 49 years.

Dad retired from US Air Force on November 30, 1969.  He began working for the US Postal Service where he retired after 19 years.  Dad always liked to read and learn, while in the Air Force he took college courses to continue his education.  When dad was assigned to the ROTC Unit at BYU he began taking classes and graduated in December 1973 in Geography.

Dad was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He has served as a Ward Clerk, Stake Clerk, High Priest Group Leader, Provo Temple Worker, Family History Consultant and Home Teacher.  Dad and Mom served together in the Riverside California Mission as family history consultants, 1992-93.

Lee is survived by his children; Leone Douma (Hans) Orem, Utah; Robin Stokes (Randy); Mark Van Houten (Kathy) Provo, Utah; and his brother William Riley Van Houten, Kansas.  He has 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Marie Forbes; his parents; his twin-sisters, Reta and Reba; and brother Elmer.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 12:00pm, at the Grandview 5th Ward Chapel, 1555 North 1350 West, Provo, Utah.  Family and friends may call prior to services from 10:00 – 11:45am.  Interment will be in the American Fork City Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Lori and Tumu from Tender Care Hospice for the loving care that they provided dad. Condolences may be sent online at www.SundbergOlpinMortuary.com.