H. Ray Houston, age 87, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis Medical Center in Davenport, surrounded by the care and comfort of those who loved him.

     A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf. Burial will follow at Oakdale Memorial Gardens in Davenport. Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories during visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home.

     Ray was born on September 22, 1938, in rural Osceola, Iowa, the son of Harold and Florence (Eivins) Houston. After graduating from high school, he furthered his education at the American Institute of Business in Des Moines—beginning a life marked by hard work, vision, and dedication.

     It was at church in Osceola that Ray met the love of his life, Carolyn Sanderson. Their love story began there, and they were united in marriage on November 29, 1959, sharing a devoted partnership that spanned more than 66 years.

     Ray was a lifelong entrepreneur and community builder. From 1968 to 1982, he owned and operated the Ben Franklin Store in Cumberland Square in Bettendorf, a place many locals fondly remember. In 1970 he founded the Bettendorf Shopper, a weekly publication that eventually became The Leader. Never content to slow down, Ray also owned numerous rental properties over the years, forming meaningful relationships with his tenants, many of whom he considered part of his extended family.

     Travel brought Ray great joy. He and Carolyn explored destinations around the world together, and Ray especially cherished his annual fishing trips to Canada and hunting trips out west—times that reflected his love of the outdoors and adventure.

     Deeply proud of his hometown, Ray was a passionate supporter of the City of Bettendorf. He served with the Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce, was a longtime member of the Trailblazers, and was actively involved with the Bettendorf Noon Optimist Club, including serving as Lieutenant Governor of the Iowa Optimist Club. His commitment to service and community left a lasting impact.

     Ray will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Carolyn; his daughter, Sheri Houston-Lay of Sherrard, Illinois; his son, Doug Houston of Bettendorf; his grandchildren, Anthony (Ashley) Lay, Ashley Lay, Christina Lay, Adam Houston, and Wesley (Liz) Houston; his great-granddaughter, Aurynn Houston; his brother, Bill (Debbie) Houston of Bettendorf; his nephew, Brian (Corrie) Houston of Davenport; his niece, Deanna (Joe) Good of Bloomington, Illinois; and many other relatives and dear friends.

     He was preceded in death by his sister, Janet, and his half-sisters, Jean, Joan, and Doris.

     Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by viewing Ray’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.