Joseph Anthony Houtman, Sr. entered into God’s Kingdom on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, after passing away peacefully at home in his sleep. With his life journey spanning nearly a century, we are moved by his strength, resilience, and Christian faith. His life was defined by ensuring values, unwavering service, and gentle humor.
Joseph was born to Frank and Marietta Houtman and grew up working on their family farm near Clayton with his 12 siblings. He enlisted in the Navy in March 1943; he attained rank of sonarman 2/C on the Destroyer, Charles J Badger DD657 in the Southwest Pacific during World War II, until May 1946. After returning home from service, he completed high school in 1948. He moved to Bridgeville to work for Dulany Frozen Food from 1950-1960, then was transferred to Exmore, Va.
There, he met and married the first love of his life, Joanne Lazenby, on February 17, 1962. They went on to have three children: Ann, Joseph Jr., and Jane. The family moved back to Delaware in 1966. In addition to being a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and all-around family man, he also loved coin collecting, traveling, reading, carpentry, genealogy and 40s and 50s music. He served in various careers, eventually retiring as a manager from Delagra Frozen Food Corp in 1987. After his retirement, he traveled broadly including international travels to Ireland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Finland, and Sweden, to name just a few. The Holland America Cruise line was his favorite, and he became a lifetime “Mariner.” He remained a loyal servant to God and was an avid member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
Later in life, he married Angeline Custer on Oct. 16, 2004; they recently celebrated their 20 year wedding anniversary and spent those years together enjoying traveling and family gatherings. Their extensive travels included cruises to the Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico, Panama Canal, several Alaskan cruises, trips to the National Parks, and many travels to visit family and friends throughout the country. In addition to life, love, church, and travels, their marriage afforded Joseph an even larger family to love.
Awaiting Joseph in heaven are his first wife, Joanne Houtman; his parents, Frank and Marietta Houtman; brothers John Houtman and Frank Houtman; sisters Frances Elizabeth Houtman “Sister Immaculata”, Marguerite Houtman, Mary Jane Houtman, Marguerite “Peggy” Houtman, Catherine McMillan, Mary Esther Nored, and Faith Ahuja. Missing him while continuing on are his wife, Angie Custer; his brothers William Houtman and David Houtman; his sister Theresa Houtman “Sister Jane”; his three children Ann French, Joseph Houtman, Jr. (Karen), and Jane Houtman; his four stepchildren, John Custer (Joni), Kenneth Custer (Paula), Daniel Custer (Maryrose), and Carol Jones (Skip); his 12 grandchildren, Ashley Watson (Wade), Travis Sewell, Tyler Sewell, Matthew Houtman, Conner Houtman, Amy Custer, Victoria Custer, Rachel Chance (David), Ross Jones (Amanda), Meghan Fishman (Jake), Gordon Custer (Rae), and Reed Custer (Kelsey); and his eight great grandchildren, Charley Watson, Wade Watson, Jr., Raelyn Watson, Trenton Joseph Watson, Lyla Custer, Collins Custer, Leola Chance, and Vera Custer and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
Funeral arrangements are as follows: Viewing on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Parsell Funeral Home, 202 S Laws Street, Bridgeville, Delaware. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 528 E Stein Hwy, Seaford, with a viewing available one hour prior. Burial will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, 26223 Seaford Road, Seaford.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, Delaware.
Please visit Mr. Houtman’s Life Memorial at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.