Bye, Dad

I won’t offer my profound opinion or relate to you my many travels. Today I remember my dad. I put his obituary below for your perusal if you wish. I’m taking a few weeks off to rethink the path of my writing life. I’ll see you on the other side.

W. Houston Green, 91, died on July 3, 2026, in Abilene, Texas. In keeping with his wishes, no funeral or memorial service are planned. The family asks those who wish to honor his memory make a donation to their favorite charity or the Church of Christ.

Houston was born June 17, 1935, in Erath County, Texas, to John and Leo Green. He grew up and attended school in Breckenridge, Texas, where he starred on the Buckaroos football teams, winning state championships in 1951 and 1952, which led to the offer of a football scholarship at Texas A&M University.

While attending high school, he met the love of his life, Sue Buchanan. The day after his 18th birthday, he married Miss Buchanan. He graduated from A&M with his degree in wildlife management.

Houston began his career with the Texas Fish and Wildlife Commission, serving in several Texas communities. The family later moved to Bayfield, Colorado, where Houston worked for the Colorado Employment Office. He later earned a Master’s degree from Western State College. He began working for Bayfield High School in 1977 as the school’s Guidance Counselor, Athletic Director, and assistant football coach, allowing him to continue his love of football.

After retirement, Houston and Sue traveled with their travel trailer throughout the United States, visiting family and friends while continuing his work with the Church. Winters were spent in Yuma, Arizona, enjoying the company of other retirees and visiting flea markets. In 2007, they purchased property near Baird, Texas, where they enjoyed visits from family and friends. They remained there until their health necessitated a move to assisted living. He was proud of his Texas A&M Aggie roots until his death.

Houston is survived by his wife of 73 years, Sue; four children, Carol Kjar (Craig) of South Dakota, Bill Green (Roxie) of Oklahoma, Sam Green (Jackie) of Texas, and Julie Martin of Texas; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his brother, Ronnie Green (Deb) of Texas and his sister, Billy Sue Harrison (John) of Colorado; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four brothers and three granddaughters.