Robert William Houghton of Spanish Fork, Utah, passed away on April 30, 2026, at the age of 87. His life was defined by service to his faith, his family, and his country, and he leaves behind a legacy of devotion, integrity, and quiet strength.
Born November 6, 1938, in Stafford, Kansas, to Virgil William Houghton and Mabel Edith Riggs, Bob grew up with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose. His early days were spent in Oklahoma, and his family later moved to Monticello, Utah, as an early teen. Even as a young man, he felt called to serve, joining the National Guard while still in high school and Air Force ROTC during his studies at Brigham Young University.
From 1959 to 1961, Bob served a mission in Samoa for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—an experience that shaped his lifelong love of missionary work and the people of Samoa, and a passion for Koko Samoa. After returning home, he married his eternal companion, Linda Dale Myers, on May 31, 1963, in the Manti Utah Temple. Together, they built a life centered on faith, service, and family. Bob earned his bachelor’s degree in history from BYU in 1965 and later completed a master’s degree in public administration in 1979 from Auburn University. He dedicated his professional life to the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1986, where he served with honor as a fighter pilot, including a deployment to Thailand during the Vietnam War. A defining moment in his life was on March 10, 1967, during a mission over North Vietnam, both Bob’s F-4 and another in the flight were hit by anti-aircraft fire and started leaking fuel. The pilot of the other plane, Capt. Robert Pardo, used his aircraft to push Bob’s F-4 out of North Vietnamese airspace to Laos, an event now called “Pardo’s Push.” From 1979 to 1982, Bob returned to BYU, this time as an instructor, teaching Air Force ROTC and mentoring the next generation of officers. His military career took him around the world, culminating in his final assignment in Germany.
After retiring from the Air Force, Bob and Linda continued their lifelong pattern of service by accepting multiple full-time missionary assignments together. They served in the Singapore Mission in India, Singapore, and Indonesia; Lansing, Michigan; returned to preside over the Singapore Mission; and were asked to open the country of Nepal. Their shared dedication and faith touched countless lives across multiple continents.
Bob is survived by his wife Linda, his three sons and spouses—Brent (Susan), Curtis (Suzanne), and Brian (Caryn), 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Phillip.
Bob’s life was one of unwavering commitment to God, to country, and to the people he loved. His influence will continue to be felt through the generations he inspired, the students he taught, the missionaries he led, and the many individuals he served throughout his remarkable life.
His family celebrates his reunion with loved ones who have gone before and honors the extraordinary journey of a man who gave his all in every chapter of his life.
A viewing will be held in Bob’s honor on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 3477 East River Bottoms Road in Spanish Fork, Utah. The funeral service will be held immediately after at the same location, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 2 pm, at the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park located at 17111 S Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale, Utah.
3 Condolences for Robert “Bob” William Houghton
Condolences(3)
Carrie Biggs says
May 7, 2026 at 5:33 pmIt was an honor to get to know Bob and Linda. Bob was always kind, and did all he could to help. He would come early to church to help set up chairs. I worried about him falling, but he always wanted to serve. We would come even earlier so that we could beat him to the chairs. I loved attending the temple with them. What a power couple!! He will definitely be missed. I’m sure his reward will be glorious. Our prayers are with you.
Michael C Johnson says
May 9, 2026 at 4:15 pmBob is great man who served the Lord and his country with great distinction. He’s been a wonderful neighbor twice in my life. Condolences and love to the whole Houghton family. Bob will be missed!
Gerald and Christine Barber says
May 9, 2026 at 7:00 pmWe were so happy to be at the funeral service virtually. Thank you for allowing that to happen. We know Bob from his days in Norwich, England with Linda and the three young boys. He was an exceptional home teacher then too. The whole family were dearly loved by the folk of Norwich Ward. Since then we have visited and remember a golf course by their home and was such a privilege to be in the Payson Temple with them the last time. Bob was such a great example of friendship and service