Houston Lee Viar

Houston Lee Viar, 84 of Mauertown passed away Friday, August 7, 2015 at his home surrounded by family and friends. Services will be Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 1:00 pm at First Church of Columbia Furnace. Pastor Larry Cook will officiate. Family and Friends will be received at the church starting at 11:00 am prior to the service and the burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Viar was born August 24, 1930 to the late Lee Olaf Viar and Lela Lee Viar in Nelson County, Virginia. Houston accepted the Lord as his savior and had a long time relationship with Pastor Larry Cook. Houston was a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army. He enlisted in the Army in 1951, he began his Basic Training in Indiantown Gap, Pa in December of 1951. In April of 1952 he was in Fort Benning, GA for Airborne Training. Then in July of 1952 to July of 1953 he was in the Korean War where he served on the front lines of the E Company 181st RCT 45th Infantry Division. He returned to Fort Belvoir from July of 1953 to September of 1955, was in France from September of 1955 to March of 1957, Fort Belvoir from March of 1957 to September of 1959, Fort Eustis, VA from November of 1959 to June of 1960 and Fort Ord, CA from June of 1960 to November of 1960. He was a SFC E-6 From April of 1953 to November of 1960. After Houston's dedicated years of service he settled in Shenandoah County with his wife, Ethel, and six children. Houston has held numerous positions in the Transportation Field. He retired as an Owner-Operator and in 1991 was awarded the Million Mile Award by The American Trucking Association Inc. for a Million Perfect Miles and his Outstanding Performance as a Professional Driver. Houston was devoted to God, Family and Country. He was and will be always remembered and honored for his selfless sacrifices for his entire family. One of his greatest joys was his house being filled with family and no one was ever turned away. Known as Papa to everyone he will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Survived by his wife, Ethel Mae Spencer, married 62 years and the love of his life. Children: Teresa Miller of Mauertown, Wayne Viar and wife Karen of Edinburg, Dennis Viar and wife Betty of Woodbridge, VA, Debbie Funkhouser and husband Daryl of Strasburg, Susan Baker and husband Gary of Toms Brook and Lorie Sharp and longtime partner Earl Bauserman of Winchester. Grandchildren: Chrystal Ponn, John Miller, Jamey Miller, Jeremy Viar, Amber Holzbauer, Candice Ritchie, D.J. Viar, Shlease Holsenbach, Devon Funkhouser, Danielle Moore, Daryl Funkhouser Jr., Anthony Baker, Ryan Gheen and Carman Sharp. Houston and Ethel are blessed with 30 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. A Brother Allen Viar of Gainesville, VA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 1 brother Olie Viar and 2 sisters Frances Viar Spencer, Ruby Viar and Frances Spencer Hunt (sister n law). The Family would like to send out a special thank you to Blue Ridge Hospice for the support and continuing care of Houston. In remembrance of Houston, those who wish may make contributions to Valley Gospel Church, PO Box 201, Maurertown, VA 22644, Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W .Cork Street, Winchester, VA 22601and/or First Church of Columbia Furnace Building Fund: Treasurer Doris Ann George, 302 Back Road, Edinburg, VA 22824. Pallbearers: John Miller, Jeremy Viar, Jamey Miller, D.J. Viar, Daryl Funkhouser Jr and Anthony Baker. Honorary pall bearers: Branson Ritchie, Brayden Ritchie, Tyler Holzbauer, Braiden Taylor, Anthony Moore, Jeremy Wyatt Viar, Landon Gheen and Seth Miller.

Houston Lee Viar

August 9, 2015