Walter Charles Houk, Jr., 84, of Lawrence, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living of Lawrence. He was born in Lawrence on February 13, 1941, to Walter Charles Houk, Sr. and Elizabeth (Betty) Houk Spencer. He was raised in Lawrence, Kansas, graduated from Lawrence High School and attended The University of Kansas.
He married his beloved wife, Janice LeeAnn (Stewart) Houk, on August 9, 1959. They have two children, Kent Houk and Kimberly (Houk) Bickling and her husband, Ryan; four grandchildren, Zachary Bickling, Mackenzie Bickling, Coleman Houk, and Chase Houk; one great-grandson, Calvin Walter Houk; and one sister, Becky Gaurotte. Walt was with Maupintour for 35+ years and was an owner of Travellers, Inc. He is also survived by his close friends and business partners Judi Rawlings (>50 years), John Novotny (>40 years). and Rosemary Stipe (>30 years).
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Houk Spencer, and father, Walter C. Houk, Sr. who was killed in action in WWII in Germany.
Walt was in the travel business since he was 17 years old and travelled extensively to many places in the world, often with his family and business partners. His travels took him to the Caribbean, Mexico, Cozumel, Merida, Central America, South Pacific, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Europe, the Orient, and the entire United States. He was President and Board Member to many travel organizations. He enjoyed spending time with those he loved.
His main hobby/interest was in baseball, and he was one the founders of DCABA (Douglas County Baseball Association), Travellers Semi-Pro team and coached in the South Park League and American Legion, working with youths and young men for over 50 years. He established friendships with hundreds of his players.
He was active in other organizations: Lawrence Country Club, Board of Directors on the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Cosmo Breakfast Club, and the Quarterback, Roundball, and Diamond clubs at KU. He also helped start Crime Stoppers.
A celebration of Walt’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Walt Houk Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044.
Jan, I was sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. I was fortunate to work with Walt at Maupintours many years ago. I have fond memories of those years especially the time the Maupintour employees held an Around The World party at several different homes. I remember the stop at your home was a Hawaiian theme. My prayers to you and your family.
Janice, my deepest sympathies to you for the loss of Walt in your life. We had been celebrating every 5 years since our LHS graduation in 1959 and I always looked forward to see the Houks every time. I hope and pray for a grand celebration of Walt’s life!
To the family of Walt,please accept my condolences. He was such a mild manner man with such a wonderful personality. He made a great boss for me when I worked for Maupintour in the early 1970s and my early 20s. He taught me a lot,gave me confidence in myself. I always was thankful for the opportunity he gave me and the trust he had in me to manage one of his branch offices. He was very good with people and treated every one well. Iam sure he left an impression on all his young ball players. He will be surely missed,they don’t make them like him anymore.
Janice Kent Kimberly and Family
Sharon & I send the Deepest & Sincerest Condolences. Walt was a #1 husband father grandfather coach & friend.
Unfortunately for me I never played baseball for coach Houk but a lot of my friends did and had nothing but praise for him. Coach was a well known name in and around Lawrence area and well thought of and was a class act. I graduated with Kent . I knew him well enough that I can say the Houk family are good people . RIP coach Houk. Prayers to the Family. He will never be forgotten in the world of base ball. 🙏🏼
To the Houk Family,
Our hearts are with you this time with Walt’s passing. When I first came to Lawerence in 1994 and established the crown Organization Walt, his business and his Family seemed be in a position to put forward themselves to help us navigate through travel but reached out to include us in suggesting philanthropy. Our family and business will always remember him for his kindness and support!!
Mr. Houk was the Chairman of the Board of CRIMESTOPPERS of Lawrence/Douglas for several years when I was the Coordinator. Walt was great to work with and showed me great respect and patience with me. He cared very much for the safety of his community. My condolences to the family. I loved talking old time “Ralph” baseball with him.
I am so sorry to read of Walt’s passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences. I knew that if the KU basketball team was traveling and Walt was in charge, we would have a smooth trip. A smooth trip correlated to a lot of road wins for the team! His baseball knowledge was top-shelf! Rest in peace kind soul.
I’ll miss hearing him complain about the airlines
Kent, Jan, Kimberly and all of the family, I am sending my deepest condolences to you. Walt was an amazing man, my Mentor, and business partner. And I learned so much from him. He’s definitely in the “Big Leagues “ now. We will celebrate him on August 01. Sending much love.
So sorry to hear about Walt. I enjoyed my baseball discussions with him when he came to church or when he sat in the car while Jan attended Sunday school.
Kent and family. So sorry to hear about Walt. Celebrate all the great times with your dad, in business and on the diamond. I appreciate the opportunity to have played on the Travellers and the friendships I made. God Bless your family
So very sorry to hear of Walt’s passing
So sorry to hear about Walt’s passing. He was a great classmate
So sorry to hear about Walt’s passing. He was a great classmate
Kent, I’m sorry for the loss of your dad. He did a lot to promote baseball for Douglas County youth. I’m sorry we won’t be there to attend his celebration of life as we have moved to Oklahoma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the family.
My condolences to the Houk family. Mr. Houk was my first baseball coach the Maupintour Jets. Playing with my cousins and friends. Great memories