Sue Bennett Houck
of Gresham, Oregon
Biography Written for the R.L. Paschal High School 50-Year Reunion in April 2006
My family consists of Duane R. Houck, husband of 40 years, and three adult daughters. Duane is a pilot, retired U.S. Air Force officer, retired from civilian airlines, and a certified science teacher.
I graduated from Paschal in January 1956 and immediately went to work in the Production Department of Gulf Oil Corporation at the age of 17.
Fortunately, Paschal had an outstanding business department with stellar and kind-hearted teachers who spent many hours sharing their knowledge with me. I concentrated on business courses. Attending college was just a dream for me at that time, but I was determined to complete a degree — someday. There was no doubt that I would need the best education the Paschal staff could give me to launch into the work-a-day world and build a productive future. The teachers made a great effort to prepare me to support myself and become a useful member of society. Mr. O. D. Wyatt provided the guiding hand and inspiration for my life-long joy of learning. Mr. Wyatt was highly visible in the halls and accessible to provide his counsel and understanding. He also possessed an uncanny knack for showing up when you least expected it. And yes, every time I hear Stardust, I remember Mr. Wyatt and Paschal High School.
In my early twenties, my first marriage disintegrated and I moved to Abilene to be near my parents. My life regained stability, and I took college classes as I could afford them. I fell in love and married a fighter pilot from Arizona. We raised three daughters, have seen a major part of the world, and shared an interesting life. Now, Duane and I are enjoying our “golden years” and meddling in our kids’ lives.
A recent incident worth sharing — I volunteer at a community college jazz radio station. One day, the station manager asked me where I went to high school. I replied, “Paschal in Fort Worth.” He grinned and said, “So did I; graduated in 1966.” It just goes to show, you never know where you are going to find a Panther. It was comforting to discover that he also has warm memories of Stardust.
Education:
University of South Florida (postgraduate study in Business Management)
University of South Florida (B.A., Political Science) (finally at age 40)
Employment: Saudi Arabian International Schools
BAMSI, Inc. Private Consultant GTE Data Services Hillsborough County, Florida Gulf Oil Corporation
Memberships: Alpha Mu Gamma (honors society, languages)
Phoenix Chapter of the 99’s (women’s aviation)
Who’s Who of American Women
Society of Technical Communicators
National School Public Relations Association
Volunteer:Girl Scouts of America, Board member for various community interests, Mercy Corps, Radio Station KMHD-FM, Meals on Wheels
Hobbies:Licensed Private Pilot, Travel, Photography, Music, Reading, Hiking