Robert Earl Houston was born in Hickory, Mississippi (population 750) in October 24, 1934 to Bessie and Belize Houston, one of 8 children. He graduated from Hickory High in 1952 and attended Jackson State College in a basketball scholarship. In 1954, he was called to the Air Force where he served in Biloxi, Mississippi and used his amazing mathematical mind to train as a Radio operator in Pilot Morse Code at Stead Air Force Base in Reno, Nevada. He served tours in England and Africa before returning to Reno. He married Flora Brooks of Deweyville, Texas in 1956. After working for the US Post Office, he became the first Black Police Officer for the Reno Police Department in 1963. After leaving the police force, he joined DonRey Advertising as a Construction Foreman until he retired after 33 years of service.
He devoted his life to his family and public service. For 10 years , he ran several programs to support youth activities in the African American communities and was instrumental in building the Reno Recreation Program for over 50 years. He was a tireless humanitarian who helped galvanize civic and community leaders to start a Community Development Program that provided financial support for low-income families especially youth.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Flora; his three children, Robert (Linda), Kimberly and Kelli. Proud grandpa to Jarred Houston, Bryce Houston and Brianna Scott; brother, Belize (Butch) and sisters Doris, Pauline, Mary and Jackie and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins around the country. He is joined in spirit by his beloved mother, father and sister, Dorothy and brother James.
A Memorial Service will be held on July 13, 2018 at 11AM at the Second Baptist Church:1265 Montello St. Reno, NV 89512. A private military burial will take place on July 20, 2018 at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.

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