Robert "Rob" Mitchell Houchin

Robert Mitchell Houchin, 66, Roofer, died Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Robert "Rob" Houchin always loved sports and played football for Wichita Southeast High School. Donning jersey number 78, Rob went on to play defensive line for Kansas State University for 4 years from 1976-1979. He attended K-State from 1976-1983, proudly receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education on 05/14/1983. Living in Kansas City and then Lakewood, Colorado before coming back home to Wichita, Rob was always a proud lone wolf who never forgot his family and would visit often. He was a talented chef who appreciated all kinds of delectable dishes; and was always helping to prepare thanksgiving alongside his mother Ann Houchin. Robert stood at 6’5” among a family of other giants as they joked about how they ate his food piled high in “layers” rather than waiting for seconds. A gentle but stalwart person, Rob loved his dogs. He would often be seen with his brown lab Chuck and later German Shepard mixes Bernie and Elton. After his brother passed, he took his dog Houch under his wing and treated him as his own. Rob fostered happy memories by bringing racing games and a racing wheel over to his brother's house for them and his nephew to play for hours together. He once gave his nephew a copy of one of his favorite PC games of all time, “Age of Mythology,” a war game centering around ancient Greek mythology following the exploits of the admiral of Atlantis, Arkantos. He also enjoyed playing "Lord of the Rings Online." His love for technology didn’t just stop with gaming however, as he also learned a great deal about computers and computer construction and was fascinated by virtual reality. While embracing the new, he always appreciated the old. Model planes, train sets, and “old but gold” movies. He and his brother Tusten could lead conversations about their favorite movies and actors for hours and always gave elevated, eloquent takes on what they thought about them. Robert Houchin was a talented, loving person whose impact on his surviving family will never be forgotten. Robert’s charisma, love for his family and animals, and his natural talent and wisdom were all characteristics that have left a lasting impression on those he left behind. No services are scheduled. Preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Ann Houchin; brother, Claude Tusten Houchin. Survived by his niece, Erica Nix of Wichita; nephew, Arthur Houchin of Lawrence, KS; great-nephew, Jett Nix. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.