John Robert Houser

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Thursday, June 17, 2021
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Thursday, June 17, 2021
2:00 p.m.
Memorial Contributions
Pulaski County Humane Society
14600 Colonel Glenn Road
Little Rock, AR  72210


Immerse Arkansas
5300 Asher Avenue
Little Rock, AR  72204
John Robert Houser

of Little Rock, AR

February 21, 1957 - June 13, 2021

John Robert Houser, age 64, of Little Rock went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 13, 2021. He was born on February 21, 1957 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Robert and Martha Staggs Houser. John was a lover of baseball from an early age, became a huge fan of rock music such as, The Beatles, Grand Funk Railroad, and Steppenwolf. In addition, John was retired from the North Little Rock Police Department after 19 years of dedicated service.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Judy; one son, Andrew Houser (Meagan) of Sherwood; his mother, Martha Houser; three granddaughters, Milla, Baylor, and Jemma; two sisters, Lisa Cushing (Tony) of Benton, AR and Suzanne Dopieralla of North Little Rock; one brother, Mark Houser (Lop) of Little Rock and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Houser.

A visitation will begin at 1:00pm followed by funeral services at 2:00pm on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801, Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR, with Pastor David Bruns officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rose City Reunion Fund, c/o Donnie Anderson, 13520 Abinger Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212 or Immerse Arkansas, 5300 Asher Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204.



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54 Condolence(s)
Judy K Wilkins
SHERWOOD, AR
Liked
Monday, June 21, 2021

I work the Jail with John, he was so easy to work with. He was year younger than me. I do not know his family, but I feel badly depress over him passing. I will always have him in my heart. Rest Well In Heaven.

Dixie Richards
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, June 21, 2021

Judy, I was so saddened to hear about John’s passing. From the messages left here I can tell he was very well thought of. May you be comforted by your memories and strengthened by your faith.

Amy Staggs
Denver, CO
Liked
Saturday, June 19, 2021

Judy I was so sad to hear about John passing away. The cousins used to joke that Aunt Martha's kids are the best looking of all five Staggs siblings and to me John was a bit of a mythic figure. My dad always talked about him as a great baseball player and athlete. Then when he was a policeman this just added to my admiration. Despite his tough guy image he was always so kind to me every time I saw him and that was what I admired most. My deepest sympathy to you and the family.
Sending our love and thoughts to you,
the Staggs-Terra family

Phillip Tackett
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, June 18, 2021

John was a friend and brother police Officer. We worked and played hard. He had my back and I his. I will surely miss him but look forward to the day he will me in heaven. My prayers to the family for their loss.

Daniel & Jim Angelo
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, June 18, 2021

We were very fortunate to see John every month whenever Maggie needed grooming, he was always a delight!!!! We would visit about current events, all sports and Maggie’s antics. He never failed to leave us chuckling and always made me feel truly gifted. We will cherish those memories, we will miss him dearly.

Donna Agee
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 17, 2021

Judy, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Thomas H. Williams
Highlands Ranch, CO
Liked
Thursday, June 17, 2021

My condolences to the Houser family.
John was an excellent police officer, but a better man. Rest in peace, my brother!

Danny and Lori Pledger
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 17, 2021

To the family ❤️Our hearts are hurting for you . John was a dear friend for many years from our Meadow Park memories along with Rose City . May God bless you during this difficult time . Danny and Lori

Kelton Phillips
Benton, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 17, 2021


Judy,

I'm am so sorry to learn of your loss. Annette and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

The only words of hope and comfort I have to offer are ones I have had to move towards understanding over the past 3 years are these...

Time will not never diminish the amount of pain and grief you are feeling at this moment. But time will slowly make it a little easier to not have that pain and grief be the only thing you can focus on.

Ron (Ronnie) Smith
Cabot, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 17, 2021

I am so saddened to hear of this. John was 3 perhaps 4 years younger than I was but being from Rose City he and I made connections at a very young age. Throughout our years as youngsters our paths crossed so many times (mostly through sports) and I was always amazed at John's athletic prowess. He made every sport look so easy to participate in. In fact, after I completed my athletic career at NLR Northeast I recall as a senior, some of the incoming freshman from area Junior High Schools would come up to the NE campus to work out. In the Spring of 1972 John and others would come to the weight room and work out with us, participate in agility drills and simply engage in strength training. During those times John and I developed what I consider a close relationship. As we aged our lives parted ways for many, many years with marriage, raising families, other athletic events with our own children, etc.

Interestingly, when he was a patrol officer for NLRPD he stopped me one time for a traffic violation, probably speeding. As he approached the car he and I recognized each other and we spent time (probably 30 to 40 minutes) reminiscing about our lives as youngsters, talked about our respective families, of course we touched on sports and simply caught up. As we parted, John handed me a ticket - for whatever it was I did wrong - and said "Ronnie, I love you brother but you broke the law and I have to give you the ticket." Ordinarily, I would have been angry but on this particular day I simply laughed we shook hands and parted ways and wished each other well.

In the Summer or Fall of 2019, (Pre-Covid) David McDougald invited me to the Shotgun Dan's gathering one Tuesday night. John was there and once again we picked up right where we left off that day on the streets of NLR. I haven't seen John since that day at Shotgun Dan's and when I read on FB where he had been called home by Our Lord and Savior, I had a sick feeling in my gut. How humbling it is the older we get when someone we actually grew up with, admired (and yes despite the fact I was older than John, I admired and looked up to him during our younger days) and truly cared about dies before you do.

Judy, I realize there is an empty void in your life right now and you question yourself as to "How will I move forward". In April 2014 I lost my 1st wife to cancer after 41 years of marriage. I had the same feelings you are experiencing right now. It is possible to move forward if you remember the great times and years you and John spent together and know for certain you will see him again one day. Please know, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Judy during this most difficult and uncertain time.

I will close by saying this, my life is better because I had the fortunate opportunity to know John and my guess is, other's will reflect on their life with him and say the same thing.

RIP John, you are loved and will definitely be missed. Perhaps we can again share the good ole days together when I am eventually called Home. Love ya Brother.

Craig and Debbie Chancey
Ocala, FL
Liked
Thursday, June 17, 2021

Judy, we are heartbroken for you over the loss of John. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Craig and Debbie

Susan H Landrum
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 17, 2021

My heart is absolutely broken!!! John, you were one of the best people I’ve ever had the honor and privilege of calling my friend from many, many years back to present day. I admired and adored you!! Your heart, so full of love, patience and understanding, without judgement!!! They say “God always takes the good ones”, and he did when he called you home. There will never be anyone like you, you, my dear, sweet John, are one of a kind. I love you, I miss you!!! I know God has you by his side. I find peace knowing you’re with him, watching over all who loved you. Until we meet again. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏

Jack Herida
Alexander, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

I remember John well. I started teaching school at Rose City Jr High in 1970. John was in my home room and my Algebra class. He was also the quarterback for the RC Chiefs. Great student, athlete and above all- person. Condolences to his family and friends.

Diane Knoght
Little Rock,
Liked
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Judy, so very sorry for your loss. I thought of John often. What a handsome man he was!

Brenda and Tom Sullinger
Clinton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

RIP John. What a great guy. A wonderful brother-in-law. Friend to ALL. So down to earth. Tom and I will miss you terribly. "Still", just can't believe. The good thing, well see you again. WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN, WHAT A DAY OF REJOICING THAT WILL BE. Judy, Andrew and family, Martha and John's siblings, you remain in our prayers. We're here, if you need us. He will be greatly missed. God bless you ALL. Love, Brenda and Tom❤

David
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

I met John in Little League at Rose City and after that played with him on the same teams him all the way through American Legion Ball.

John did not know this until I told him two years ago while we hung around outside Shotgun Dan’s following a Rose City Gathering.
I idolized John growing up. He was a year ahead of me and our lives intertwined a lot.

In the 9th grade John was the quarterback at Rose City and I was his back up. I was the quarterback the next year.

John was a pole vaulter in the 9th grade and I got to vault with him that year before my 9th grade year.

John played basketball. I thought He was so cool on that court. He wore red wrist bands and red knee pads. He was so cool that I had my mom take me to Star Sporting Goods and get me the exact same knee pads and wrist bands.
I wanted to look just like him on the court.

Of course he never knew.

As we all do we went our separate ways and didn’t get back together until the Rose City gatherings at Shotgun Dan’s started.
One night about 2 years ago we sat outside after it was over and talked a bit.
For those that don’t know I married John’s third cousin Belinda Houser. Well before we got in our cars to leave John said

“I want to tell you something.
I’m really proud you married my cousin and y’all have built a good family together. I know I don’t come to the family reunions and I don’t know why I don’t but I just want you to know I’m proud of y’all. ❤️

The term Role Model gets thrown around very loosely these days. I think it’s hard to really find one these days.

I was lucky to find John Houser.

He was a good friend and if he was in your corner you were in good shape.

Belinda and I are praying for you Judy and the rest of the family and those precious grand kids.
Don’t hesitate to call on us for anything.

John Robert (Bob) Linzy
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

After John retired, he assisted in the restoration of the damaged and neglected gravesite of Captain Seymour W. Terry at Roselawn Cemetery in Little Rock. Captain Terry was killed in action in World War II and received the Medal of Honor posthumously - one of the state's famous military heroes. John contributed his time to the project and I am sure few people are aware of his effort. Another random act of kindness by John that was so appreciated! I will remember the example set by this good man!

Lisa Finton Creasey
Mayflowet, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

My condolences go out to the family over the loss of John. I pray God gives you peace and strength during this time. John dedicated years to the city of North Little Rock with his employment at NLR Police Dept. In memory of John Houser and to honor the Houser family do something for someone in 2021.

Lisa Finton Creasey
Mayflowet, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

My condolences go out to the family over the loss of John. I pray God gives you peace and strength during this time. John dedicated years to the city of North Little Rock with his employment at NLR Police Dept. In memory of John Houser and to honor the Houser family do something for someone in 2021.

Cindy Shumate
Heber Springs, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

John was a great guy and will truly be missed by those who knew him from Norteast High School! Bless and comfort to his wife Judy and family! ❤️

Eugene Tyree
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

I am sorry to hear of this unexpected loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

RANDY ROGERS
BRYANT, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

I have known John since my days of growing up in Meadow Park, and the years at the ballpark, John was one of the "older guys" but usually that didn't matter, we all shared the wonderful experience of growing up together no matter the age difference. He was one of the good guys and was a fantastic athlete to look up to. I also know his dad, among other dads back in the day made it possible for us to have those Field of Dreams in the neighborhood to play on and I will never forget that. Prayers sent up to our Heavenly Father for his grace and peace for Johns family.

Mike & Anita Victory
north little rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Jeff and Barbara Houser and family, My heart prays for you all. seek God for your comfort for he cries with the families, but glorifies his sheep when they come home to him. We Love you

Lydia House Lee
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

So very sorry to read about John’s passing! Thoughts and prayers to his family! Rest In Peace!

Vickie Taylor
Bentonville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

So sorry for your loss.

Stephen Fletcher
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Rest in peace. John was a good friend growing up in Medow Park. Lived Cross the street from his family. Thoughts and prayers.

Vanessa Mundy
Greers Ferry, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Prayers -John was a great guy.

Sharron Fletcher Carloss
Conway, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Judy, I am so sorry to hear about John's passing. My prayers are with your family. I hope thus poem will help bring you all some comfort.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I’m not here to see.
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry,
the way you did today.
While thinking of the many things
we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you.
And each time you think of me,
I know you’ll miss me, too.

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand.
That Jesus came and called my name
And took me by the hand.
He said my place was ready
in heaven far above.
And that I’d have to leave behind
all those I dearly love.

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart.
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here in your heart.

Jenni Houser
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

My cousin John will be missed. Sorry to the family for your loss. Unfortunately I did not get to spend enough time with my cousins but will always remember the family reunions we use to have every year back in the day!!

Wayne Chaney
, TX
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

My deepest condolences to John's family. I knew John from the police department. We worked together and became good friends. I was truly shocked to hear of his passing. John was a heck of a guy I could always depend on him.

Eva Stracener
Morrilton, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

My heart is broken. John was a great man. Very kind and understanding. When my dad,Terry Stracener, passed he was so involved in making sure that my mom and I were ok. John showed up to the memorial service Mom put together later on in April and read Dad's eulogy with such love. I did lose touch with Mr. John but I know I was still in his thoughts and prayers just because that's who he was. I want to give you our deepest and sincerest condolences for we know that pain you are going through right now. Miss Judy please know that you and your family have gained an incredible angel to watch over you all.

Terry Wilkins
JONESBORO, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

I played softball and basketball with John when we worked at NLRPD. Always enjoyed being around him. May you rest in peace

Gary Stewart
Ball, LA
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

John was a good man, outspoken and firm in his beliefs. A man to face any storm with. He will be greatly missed.

Shane Wilkins
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

My prayers and condolences to the John houser family sorry for your loss

Shirley Eberle Abel
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Lifting your family up in prayer. There’s just no words to express our loss which is Heaven’s gain.

Jerry and Dot Clements
Marion, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Thinking of all of you as you face these difficult days ahead. Our hearts are broken! We will always remember him as an all round athlete that was easy to coach and eager to learn. Jerry loved having him on his basketball team all the years we were neighbors. Hugs to all of you!♥️

Leslie B Houser
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

You will be missed John... Sorry that your life ended so soon. You blessed me w/ my only child, Andrew who looks just like you.. Thank you for him. My prayers for Judy and your mom and siblings too. I pray for your salvation w/our Lord. Those who knew you will be sad and miss you but will cherish all the memories they have with you. Rest in Peace dear John...

Rod Thigpen
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Condolences from my family to yours. John was one of the good guys.

Peace and Strength.

Mark Pruitt
Conway, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Judy, I am so sorry to hear about John. We are praying for you and the family! 🙏🙏🙏

David Harrell
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

John, rest in peace my friend. My prayers are with your family.

David Harrell
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

John, rest in peace my friend. My prayers are with your family.

David Harrell
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

John, rest in peace my friend. My prayers are with your family.

David Harrell
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

It was a pleasure knowing John for all these many years. I enjoyed being on the NLRPD with John. He was a good officer and respected his fellow officers and the citizens of North Little Rock. My prayers are with his family and friends. Rest in peace my friend.

Kathy A. Reeves
N LITTLE ROCK, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Judy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for all of you. He is my brother from another mother. My dad started him out coaching him with his baseball, even Mr. Robert was a coach with my dad. I am really gonna miss him and the memories of a great friend for years...Judy if you need me you have my number...love you...

Kathy Kierre Pierce
Jefferson City, MO
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

John & I grew up just a few blocks from each other. He was a cherished childhood friend. I spent many a night at the ballpark watching John & our friends playing baseball. I remember him being good at everything he did and he was always kind. I dont remember him without a smile. My thoughts and prayers to his family.

ELIZABETH MEYER
LITTLE ROCK, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Judy - I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart breaks for you.

Johnny Spradling
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Judy you and the Family are in our prayers. John has been a friend of mind for many years played baseball against him and he was awesome great years at Rose City Jr High and Northeast HS! There was not a sport that he was not good at he made them all look easy! He will be missed by many! RIP John Love you my brother!!

Debbie Woodward Benson
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

I am still in shock from hearing this news. I'm so very sad for all of John's family. May you find peace in your memories.

Jerry W Smith
Vilonia, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

I worked with John at the NLRPD. He was always pleasent to me. I remember how much he loved baseball. I was shocked to hear abouth his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Joe Lackie
Memphis, TN
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Thoughts and prayers during this time. Remember John from our days at Northeast. So sorry for your loss.

Donny Anderson
LITTLE ROCK, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Judy you and family are in my prayers , John and i had some very fun times growing up as kids and as we got older we still stayed in touch and talk often then me and him and Danny meet one day 12 years ago and said hey lets have a Rose City Meeting every 2 weeks at Shotgun Dans and then it happened we started seeing people we havent seen in years we finally changed it to the first Tuesday of the month and just started back last month to a Big Crowd ,John Loved coming to these and meeting people He will be Deeply Missed at these get togethers and I will miss those talks we use to have ,If ther is anything you need please dont hesitate to call RIP my Brother !!!

David Schmidt NLRPD Honor Guard Retired
Port Charlotte, FL, FL
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Rest In Peace my brother.

Douglas House
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Anita and I are heartbroken.

Glenda Higgs
Cabot, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

I am so sorry for you loss, Judy. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.