John Michael Houston, 61, of Paxton, IL, passed away at 8:14 P.M. Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at his home. He was born on August 20, 1964, at the Paxton Community Hospital, the son of Jackie Lester Houston and Karon Kay (Krueger) Smith. He married Sara Verkler on November 8, 1990, in Paxton, IL. She survives in Paxton.

He is also survived by his mother and stepfather, Karon and Roland Smith and his two sons, Joshua Michael Houston and Jeremiah Lee Houston all of Paxton, IL.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father, Jackie Lester Houston.

John was a CNC operator at Caradco, which later became Jeld-Wen. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Paxton. He enjoyed fishing, listening to music, playing golf, and caring for his dogs. John also enjoyed coaching his kids in baseball when they were younger. He was an avid Tennessee Volunteer sports fan, especially football, and loved Trans Am’s and Harley’s.

A visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday June 23, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. Following the visitation, cremation rites will be accorded.

Memorial donations may be made to John’s family.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view John’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.