Andrew Van Houten

Andrew William Van Houten, age 89, of Columbus, OH, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at First Community Village in Columbus, OH. Preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Helmick and Ulma Rose (Leppert) Van Houten, son Steven A. Van Houten, brother Arthur V. (Kay) Van Houten, and sisters Laura Rose Van Houten, Maribelle (George) Harsh, Esther (Carl) Lowry, and Vivian (Bob) Guess. Survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ruth Carol (Reed) Van Houten, son Andrew W. Van Houten of New York, NY, daughter Ellen M. Van Houten of Columbus, OH, sister Janis (Bill) Hughes of Hilliard, OH, and many nieces and nephews. Andrew was born on May 27, 1926 in Hilliard, OH and graduated in 1943 from Hilliard High School, where he played varsity football and was vice-president of his class. When he turned 18, he joined the U.S. Army, became a Staff Sergeant, and served as a combat veteran in the liberation of the Philippines, 1944-45. After his service he enrolled at the Ohio State University and graduated with a BA in business administration. While in college he met his future wife, Ruth Carol Reed and they were married in November, 1951. After working as manager of the Royal Luggage Shop in Springfield, OH, he joined Standard Register Company in 1960, becoming a senior sales representative covering the insurance industry in Columbus. He worked there until his retirement. Andrew enjoyed traveling with his wife, children, and other relatives across the U.S., Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He and Ruth Carol participated in many trips sponsored by the Columbus Museum of Art, of which they were long-time members and supporters. He was an avid student of history (his grandfather William Orlando Van Houten was a Union Army drummer boy in the Civil War) and of literature (especially poetry). His favorite authors were Poe, Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, and the religious philosopher Martin Buber. He was a dedicated gardener and spent many hours outside, much of it tending his roses. Andrew was also an enthusiastic Ohio State Buckeye football fan. For 40 years, he attended almost all of the team's home games in the Horseshoe. In the sixties and seventies, he was an active member of the Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church, serving as Lay Leader. He was also a Mason and a Shriner. The family wishes to thank the staffs of Northwest Family Physicians, Riverside Methodist Hospital, Traditions at Mill Run, First Community Village, and the National Church Residences hospice team. Friends may call Monday, September 21, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich St. in Hilliard, OH. Private burial at Wesley Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Andrew's memory to the charity of your choice.