Cornelius “Neil” James Houser, 90, a longtime resident of Nassau Bay, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Saturday, December 14, 2024, in the company of his beloved wife of 63 years, Kathleen Nolan Houser.

Neil was born on October 12, 1934, in Kingston, New York, to the late Cornelius and Emma Houser. He is survived by his sons, Nolan Houser and Todd Houser; grandchildren Holly Houser-Poynter and Ashley Houser-Shaver of Jacksonville, Florida, and Christian Neil Houser of Houston, Texas; and two great-grandchildren, Adalene Lacasse and Scarlett Shaver, also of Jacksonville. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kelley Houser, and siblings Joel and Elliott (Bud) Houser, and Lois Hauge.

After graduating high school, Neil joined the United States Navy, training as a sonar technician, or “sub-hunter,” in Key West, Florida. He served aboard destroyer escorts, affectionately called “tin cans,” at naval bases in Virginia and was honorably discharged after four years of faithful service.

Following his military service, Neil returned to New York, where he embarked on a distinguished 32-year career with IBM (International Business Machines Corporation). As a proud member of IBM’s Quarter Century Club, Neil excelled in his work. Just two weeks into his new job, he met Kathy, the love of his life, and they soon married, settling into a Poughkeepsie home that Neil and his father had built with their hands.

Neil’s entrepreneurial spirit shone throughout his life. During his early years at IBM, while working the night shift, he operated a blacktop paving business, “Neil Houser & Sons.” Later, he ventured into real estate, purchasing and managing a nine-unit apartment house on Church Street in Poughkeepsie. In 1976, Neil transferred to Houston, where he retired from IBM and became a realtor and mortgage broker. He played a pivotal role in founding United Texas Realtors.

Neil was passionate about boating, youth baseball, travel, camping, and “tinkering.” After leaving the Navy, he and a friend purchased a 1920s wooden trawler, affectionately named the “African Queen”, as inspired by the 1951 adventure film. Neil, Kathy, and their friends enjoyed music and dancing on its deck under moonlit Hudson River skies. Although the boat met its fate when it sank unexpectedly, Neil’s love for the water continued in Houston, where he became an active member of the Texas Mariner Cruising Association (TMCA), humorously earning the nickname “The Secretary of the Navy.”

As a baseball coach, Neil inspired young players in Poughkeepsie and Kingston, with Kathy as his loyal assistant coach. Known as a skilled “tinker,” Neil took pride in fixing and building anything, from homes to vehicles, leaving behind countless projects that reflect his ingenuity.

Most recently, Neil celebrated his 90th birthday with a memorable party hosted by Kathy, attended by over 80 friends and family members. Listening to heartfelt stories from loved ones, Neil declared it “the best birthday party ever,” a fitting tribute to a remarkable life.

In accordance with his wishes, Neil will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

Neil’s legacy of love, perseverance, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.