Surrounded by his family, Michael Sim Houchin, 75, passed away at home in Leitchfield on Monday, December 19, 2022 after a valiant battle against pancreatic cancer.
A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to many, he is survived by his wife Elaine of 55 years and three daughters, Cindy Moross (David) of Palm Beach, Florida, Julie Colvin (Michael) of Louisville, Kentucky, and Christy Clemons (Tony) of Leitchfield, Kentucky. He is also survived by his sister Gail Basham (Morris) of Leitchfield, Kentucky.
Michael, known as Mike, was born on July 20, 1947 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Sim and Arietta Houchin. Six years
later, in 1953, he became a big brother to his only sibling, Gail. As a boy, Mike was close to his late cousin, Lonnie Durbin (son of late June Durbin, Sim Houchin’s only sister.) They grew up riding horses, camping in the woods and particularly enjoyed playing practical jokes.
Mike married his high school sweetheart, Elaine, daughter of the late Brooks and Elsie Ramsey, on April 29, 1967 at their home on Lilac Road. On his wedding day, Mike gained three more sisters, Louise Meredith (Joe Mike), Ann Dawson (Steve) and Phyllis Raymer (the late Larry.) Sharing this memorable occasion as best man was Kenny “Giz” Young who remains a life-long friend.
Upon graduating in 1972 from Western Kentucky University with a BS in Agriculture and a minor in Business Administration, Mike worked as a dairy farmer, truck driver, auctioneer, realtor and owned the local Ford dealership. Much like his father, he was an entrepreneur, known as a Swiss Army knife of the professional world. His greatest passion throughout his life was working on his land and raising his horses. While he loved to travel, he always preferred to be home on the porch enjoying the beauty of the nature surrounding him. He often said, “Why would I need to go anywhere when I have all this!”
Providing much joy and a few gray hairs, Mike and Elaine were blessed with 10 grandchildren, Mia (Stuart), Jake, Jamie, Tilly, Michaela (C.J.), Julian, Wendell (Ciara), Alexa, Michaya, Tonya and two great grandchildren, Evan and Noa. From trail riding on his favorite horse Drew to teaching barrel racing, giving tractor driving lessons and feeding baby calves at the Houchin dairy farm, he used the later years of his life to make lasting memories with his grandkids. Mike was also able to share his enthusiasm for life, sense of humor and many stories with his nieces and nephews. Being “Uncle Mike” to Andrew Bratcher (Jenna), Tresia Lee (Seth) and Ashley Coleman (Russell), Lisa Meredith, Terri Logsdon (Timmy), Bob Meredith (Rebecca), Lonnie Meredith, Brian Clark (Dawn), and Kevin Clark, allowed him to generously share his homes, family land, pool, and pets with them and his many great nephews and nieces. Where he was found, so was adventure, always followed by the perfect story, to be told and re-told.
In addition to his time with family, Mike’s most valued memories were shared with countless friends having coffee at Huddle House, K’s Café and Center Court, discussing politics, and of course, sharing jokes and long-winded stories. Many of his close relationships were forged through faith-based fellowship and prayer breakfasts, where his spiritual life was enriched by dear friends like Cathy and Larry Darst. As avid students of the Bible, Mike and Elaine built a life around their shared devotion to faith. Through the seasons they weathered together as parents and grandparents, they always remained steadfast in the hope, peace, and protection they believed only God may provide in this unpredictable world. Mike also shared his time and energy as a volunteer with the local jail ministry. His favorite Bible verses were James 2:18 and Romans 7:15.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Monday, (December 26, 2022) at the Dermitt Funeral Home in
Leitchfield. In keeping with his wishes, cremation will follow. Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. Monday until time of services.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the cemetery fund for Mt. Vernon or Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian
Church.
Online condolences can be made in the guestbook on our website at www.dermittfuneralhome.com .
