Alan M. Houghton

Alan Houghton was a man who loved to build things. He built things of steel that were made to last. He built things for his home that were attractive as well as functional. He built businesses on a strong foundation of honest, trusting relationships. But the most beautiful and remarkable was the 39-year-long loving marriage he built with his wife and partner, Toni.

Alan was born in Kansas City to Floyd and Jewel Houghton in 1960. His parents and grandparents were a strong, positive influence on Alan as he grew up. Through Jewel and his grandmothers, Mildred and Beulah, he learned the importance of family and respect for the role of women. His father, Floyd, was a career autoworker for General Motors. His grandfather, Leland Houghton, was sheriff of Davies County, Missouri. Tragically, he was shot and killed by a teenager he was trying to help. Alan was only 16 at the time; the loss had a lasting impact. His maternal grandfather, John Cox, was a farmer and Alan enjoyed spending summers on John and Mildred’s farm.

Always a hard worker, Alan's first job was in a local restaurant. When he was 18, he went to work for Matco, a regional five-and-dime store, where he met Toni, 16, who was dating a friend of Alan's. When that changed, the two were married in 1983.

Alan's career found its focus when he landed a job as a draftsman and later a detailer specializing in structural steel. Alan  benefited from the guidance he received from talented mentors, but many of his skills were self-taught.

At 25, he was hired by Overland Steel and was named Vice President at 27. Before he turned 30, he and a partner started  their first steel construction company.

Together Alan and Toni built a family that included their daughter, Angela Kasten (Ken), and Benjamin (“B.J.”, now  deceased); Angela added five beloved grandchildren – Bryan, Natalie, Ben, Lane, and Logan – to their family.

Alan's passion for motors and machines led him to race motocross and dune buggies. He passed on his love for racing to his  son, B.J., and became his crew chief in go-kart, mini cup, and stock car racing.

Alan has always had an entrepreneurial spirit that led him to customize everything he built. That is especially apparent in  their homes – from a 14-foot by 70-foot mobile home to an old Victorian house, a new house, another house, and their current showplace.

It was the way Alan showed that he believed we should do our best, to leave things better than we found them. It was a belief that he put into practice with his work as well as his relationships.

Alan's idea of relaxation was reading the manual to a new piece of equipment. He wanted to know how to make things work, so that he could make them better. He succeeded.

Service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel in Liberty, Missouri (816)781-8228. 1:30 p.m. visitation; 3:00 p.m. service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to K.C. Pet Project or other pet shelter/rescue.

Service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel in Liberty,
Missouri (816)781-8228. 1:30 p.m. visitation; 3:00 p.m. service. In lieu of flowers, the
family suggests donations to K.C. Pet Project or other pet shelter/rescue.