Marcus Kennedy Houston, Jr.

Marcus Kennedy Houston, Jr., 90, of Mulberry, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Ivy Creek Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Jake Sherwood Fannin Sr. officiating. Burial will follow at Ivy Creek United Methodist Cemetery.

Born on November 10, 1935, in Mulberry, Alabama, to the late Marcus Kennedy Houston and Beatrice White Houston, Marcus grew up with a strong sense of family and service. Upon graduating from Hicks Memorial High School in 1954, he joined the Naval Reserve and completed basic training in Baltimore, Maryland. After completing his two-year commitment, he chose to join the United States Air Force, where he built a remarkable 21-year career.

Throughout his military service, he was stationed in Texas, Washington, D.C., Canada, Alabama, Colorado, and Michigan. Rising to the rank of Technical Sergeant, he was known among his peers for his diligence and leadership. His time in the Air Force reflected his steadfast commitment to his country and duty—qualities that guided him throughout his life.

After retiring from the military in 1976, Marcus began a new chapter in Canada, where he managed a hotel, bringing his strong leadership and steady presence to the hospitality industry. Later, he returned to his roots in Mulberry, Alabama, where he devoted his time to farming until his health no longer allowed.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Thelma Christianson Houston; his wife, Elizabeth Daves Tyus; daughter, Laurie Ann Houston; his parents, Marcus and Beatrice White Houston; sisters, Mary Emily Houston, Cenora Houston Thacker, and Julia Catherine Condra; brothers, A.C. Houston and George Houston; sisters-in-law, Joyce Houston and Peggy Houston; and brothers-in-law, Gene Thacker, Robert Condra, and James Condra.

He is survived by his son, John Houston; granddaughters, Carrie Houston and Kaylee Panes; grandson, Andrew Houston; sister, Laura Condra; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will cherish his memory.

The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Ivy Creek United Methodist Church, Autaugaville, Alabama 36003, in honor of Marcus’s life and legacy.