C. Tusten Houchin
June 9, 1955 ~ September 10, 2022
C. Tusten Houchin, 67, Landman, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, September 10, 2022. Tusten grew up in Crown Heights and went to Southeast High School. He graduated from Wichita State University, having spent some time at Oklahoma University where he walked-on the basketball team. He later married Andrea Knighton and had two children, Erica and Arthur Houchin.Tusten was undoubtedly a man that knew no stranger. He had a larger-than-life personality to match his tall stature. Known to many at College Hill Park, he was often seen relaxing with his dog, Hooch, on park benches (sometimes in his signature hat or shirtless if it was hot) as he greeted, complimented, or made witty jokes to passersby with his friendly, boisterous voice. He loved playing basketball and getting to know the people in his community. Tusten absolutely loved music and was known for playing his speaker at College Hill Pool. Never afraid of attention, he loved to sing and do karaoke. He lived by the beat of his own drum, never conforming to any societal mold, living in the moment, and having unique pets like a parrot years ago and now a pet tortoise that Jett, his grandson, will raise for years to come. He was an incredibly passionate man who had many interests including gravel biking, backgammon, politics, reading, writing, history, and religion.His faith was steadfast, and he loved being a part of his church communities over the years. He was a very spiritual man. He loved the doctrine, icons, and the history behind being a Christian. He loved his two children and doted on his grandson.Tusten was absolutely one of a kind. A genuine, kind, and humble soul. He will be missed by many, especially his family and all his friends in College Hill.He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Ann Houchin. Survived by his daughter, Erica Nix; son, Arthur Houchin of Kansas City, KS; grandson, Jett Nix; brother, Robert Houchin. Services will be held at St. James Episcopal Church on Monday, September 26, 2022, at 11:00 am. There will be a Celebration of Life immediately following the service at Walt’s East Bar and Grill.Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We were Tusten’s neighbors for a time and our children were friends when they were small, and my husband played basketball with him at College Hill Park for years. I just noticed his memorial bench in the park today and it was our first realization that he had passed away. The neighborhood won’t be the same without him. I’ll always envision him walking his dog, shirtless, through the neighborhood and talking to everyone he met. Rest well, Tusten.