James A. "Pap" Houser Sr.

James A. “Pap” Houser Sr., 84, of Arnold passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, June 7, 2020. He was born June 16, 1935 in Parnassus to the late Rev. George Houser and Katie Mae Stoudemire.

James worked in construction for over 50 years as a member of the Construction General Laborer’s Local Union 373. He was dedicated and loyal to both of his churches. He was a current member of the Shiloh Baptist Church, Brackenridge, and a past member of the First Church of God, New Kensington, where he served on the Trustee Board and sang in the choir. Pap was a supporter of many charities, enjoyed working in his garage and yard, and loved his family dearly.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 65 years, Shirley Irene Brooks Houser; children, Rev. Antoinette E. Perkins, James A. (Teresa) Houser Jr., Cassandra J. Houser, and Herbert D. Houser; grandchildren, Charles W. (Tymeka) Perkins III, Katie A. (Rob) Perkins, Keyane Houser, James A. Houser III, Timmy (Janelle) Trent, Andrae (Lacey) Trent, Kayla Pryor, Alexis Pryor, Avery Bailey, Eugene Bailey, Tyler Bassett, Tristan Houser, Nichole C. Patrick, Robert (Brittany) Patrick Jr., Latoyia A. Patrick, Heather I. Houser, Kristofor D. Houser, Alexis E. (Eugene) Dunn, Alyse J. (Mark) Hart, and Sheth A. Houser; 36 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; siblings, William T. (Synobia) Houser Sr. and Gerald (Linda) Houser Sr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son in infancy, William G. Houser; daughter, Katherine B. Houser Patrick; great granddaughter, Alivia G. Perkins, and siblings, Alma, George Jr., Grady, Belfort, Mary, Birdalee, Clarence, John, Robert, Howard, and Ruby.

The family would like to thank Dr. Reilly, Dr. Martinez and their staff, as well as Good Samaritan Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion.

Viewing will be held from 10 AM to 12 PM on Friday, June 12, 2020 in the Ross G. Walker Funeral Home Ltd., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington, where a funeral service will immediately follow at 12 PM. James’ daughter, Rev. Antoinette E. Perkins will Co-officiate the service with Rev. Edward Carter Jr.  Due to the current social restrictions from Covid-19, Please wear a mask. Interment will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell. Leave an online condolence at rossgwalker.com.

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