Darrell Houser

Darrell “Keith” Houser, age 85, passed away April 13, 2022, surrounded by his family and loving wife of 65 years. He fought a courageous battle against Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Keith was born in 1937 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Alice Louise Wright and John Darrell Houser. After graduating from West High School, he served in the Utah National Guard and became a journeyman electrician while working for Union Pacific Railroad. Keith married his eternal soul mate, Marlene Seelos, in 1957, and they had two children, Darrell Martin Houser and Annette Kay Houser.

In 1965, Keith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Utah, while continuing to work nights for the railroad and raise a family. Upon graduation, he was hired by Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) during the pinnacle of the space race. Despite the long hours and hectic pace of his 33-year career, Keith never lost his fascination with space exploration, and even talked of his own longing to travel to the moon. Keith earned many awards and was held in high esteem by his colleagues throughout his career. In his spare time, he shared his passion with his kids by building and launching Estes model rockets with them.  He was also an enthusiastic participant in the Outward Bound program.

Keith was always one to give back, which was reflected in his ongoing community service. He served several years on the board of directors for the Green Mountain townhouses. Whenever his church needed some work that utilized his expertise, he rose to the task. He designed and operated the stage lighting for Lakewood’s Adult-Children’s Theater group and even appeared in some productions. After retirement, his pride and joy was his volunteer service with Lakewood Police Department. Keith graduated from the Lakewood Citizens Police Academy in 1996. He designed a computerized system for the department to track volunteer hours, and worked with the Volunteer Neighborhood Speed Watch program. In addition to his time and energy, Keith donated regularly to Jefferson County’s Action Center and Lakewood Police’s Christmas Cheer for Children program.

Keith is survived by his wife, Marlene; son, Darrell Houser (Cheri); daughter, Annette Falvo (Frank); grandsons, Timothy Houser and Nicholas Houser; and granddaughters, Jamie Falvo and Kelsey Falvo. He is also survived by his brother, Russell Houser (Mary), and sister Loretta Knepp. He is proceeded in death by his parents and brother in-law, John Knepp.

A service to honor this remarkable man will take place at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 1390 Brentwood Street, in Lakewood on Saturday, April 23, at 2:00 pm, where friends may call 30 minutes prior. In consideration of one of Keith’s earthly pleasures, an ice cream social will follow the church service.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 11:00AM at Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakewood United Methodist Church or Lakewood Police Department’s Canine (K-9) unit, 445 Allison Parkway; Lakewood, Colorado 80226; ATTN: Lori Miller.

…we love you to the moon and back!

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