John D. Houpt

John Duffield Houpt, 92, died on Monday, July 18th, 2022, at Providence Place in Chambersburg, where he had been a resident since September of 2021. His former residence was in St. Thomas, Pennsylvania. He had been in declining health for a few months.

Born in Warren, Pennsylvania, on December 30th, 1929, he was the son of Richard R. Houpt and Georgie Kreider Houpt. He was the youngest of three children. The family moved often during his childhood, and he finished his senior year at Uniontown Senior High School, graduating in 1947.

John met his wife, Anna Louise Watson, while attending Slippery Rock State Teachers College, where he majored in Physical Education and graduated in 1951. That fall, shortly after joining the United States Marine Corps, he and Louise were married. He served as a Marine for two years. During that time he received and followed orders to witness a nuclear detonation as part of Desert Rock IV in Nevada in April of 1952.

When John accepted a job teaching and coaching at St. Thomas High School (which later became part of James Buchanan High School), he, Louise, and their three children moved to Chambersburg. The remainder of his teaching and coaching career was spent in the Mercersburg area. Coach Houpt loved being greeted by former students who became his lifelong friends.

John worked at his father’s tree nursery every summer, eventually running his own landscaping business, where he was able to work with some of his favorite people.

John was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Chambersburg, where he became a member in 1958. A longtime church musician, he shared his beautiful baritone voice as a soloist in the Chancel Choir for many years. He also enjoyed teaching youth Sunday School. More recently, he was grateful for the continuing support of St. Paul’s members and staff.

John was an avid reader, horseshoe pitcher, bowler, and Pounce player. He and Louise volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Most of all, John loved being a grandfather, and he marveled at the accomplishments of each of his seven grandchildren.

John is survived by a son, John Wyatt (Helen) Houpt of Carlisle; a daughter, Barbara (John) Seefeldt of Enola; a son, Craig (Barbara) Houpt of Chambersburg; along with seven grandchildren and a great-grandson. Preceding him in death were his wife, Anna Louise Houpt; a brother, Richard Houpt; and a sister, Anita Houpt.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, July 25, 2022, at 1:00 PM at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 750 Norland Avenue, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, with The Reverend John Kratz officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Parklawns Memorial Gardens, Chambersburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to St. Paul United Methodist Church or to Chase-ing the Dream, 896 Apple Way, St. Thomas, Pennsylvania 17252.

Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home, Ltd., Chambersburg, has been entrusted with conducting the services. Online condolences may be expressed at www.kelsocorneliusfh.com.

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