Leo E. Seymour Jr1

M, #83461, d. before 2013

Family: Shirley Ann Houghton b. 14 Nov 1925, d. 26 Oct 2013

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
MarriageOct 18, 1947Ionia, MI, USA1
Deathbefore 2013
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Marilyn Jean Cahill1

F, #83462, b. 1 August 1930, d. 27 November 2008

Family: Stuart Lyle Houghton b. 14 Nov 1925, d. 31 Oct 2010

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthAug 1, 1930Grand Rapids, MI, USA
MarriageOct 8, 1949Ionia, MI, USA1
1950 US Census1950Berlin, MI, USA, age 24, farm hand
DeathNov 27, 2008Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Stuart Douglas Houghton1

M, #83463, b. 8 August 1951, d. 8 November 2015

Family: Carol (?)

  • Marriage*: Stuart Douglas Houghton married Carol (?)

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthAug 8, 1951Ionia Co, MI, USA1
Marriage
DeathNov 8, 2015of cancer
ObituaryNov 11, 2015Houghton, Stuart "Doug" Stuart Douglas "Doug" Houghton, age 64 of Stanton, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, November 8th, 2015. Doug was born August 8, 1951 to Stuart and Marilyn (Cahill) Houghton in Ionia. He was a fisherman, deer hunter, and loved the outdoors. In 1995 he purchased a home on Dickerson Lake with his wife Carol. It was always his dream to live on a lake. When he was younger he coached his sons' football and baseball teams. In his later years he enjoyed spending time with his family, going to his grandson's football games, and of course the occasional drive to Mackinac. He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Stuart and Marilyn Houghton; brothers, Terry and David Houghton; and other relatives and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; son, Michael Houghton of Kentwood; son, Tom (Jennifer) Houghton of Ionia; daughter, Shelly (Dan) Wierenga of Newaygo; stepmother, Shirley Houghton of Ionia; brother, Robert Houghton of Ionia; stepson, Donald Shattuck of Ionia; stepdaughter, Amanda Shattuck of Fort Myers, FL; and nephew, Harvey (Annette) Houghton of Mesick. He also leaves behind his five grandchildren; Samantha (Austin) Darling, Tommy and Alison Houghton, Jacob and Rachel Wierenga, and one great-grandson, Grayson Lee Darling. If you would like to join our family to celebrate the life and memories of Doug, we will be having a memorial luncheon at the Ionia Moose Lodge located at 869 E. Lincoln Ave, Ionia, MI 48846 on Saturday, November 14th, 2015 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Cancer and Hematology Centers of Western Michigan, or the charitable organization of your choice. Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville, is serving the Houghton family, and memories and messages of condolence may be shared at www.hurstfh.com.
lHurst Funeral Home Inc
1801 W Washington St
Greenville, MI 48838
Published in Grand Rapids Press from Nov. 11 to Nov. 12, 20152
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.
  2. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/grandrapids/obituary.aspx

Terrance Lee Stuart Houghton1

M, #83464, b. 11 October 1953, d. 22 January 1992

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthOct 11, 1953Grand Rapids, MI, USA
DeathJan 22, 1992Kentwood, MI, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Rene Huhn1

F, #83465

Family: Lawrence Hoffman b. c 1927

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birth1
Marriage1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Neal Billy Hoffman1

M, #83466

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

(?) Hoffman1

M, #83467

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Barbara Hoffman1

F, #83468

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Vernon Hoffman1

M, #83469

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthIonia Co., MI, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Leone Creiger1

F, #83470

Family: L. A. Houghton b. 10 Apr 1917

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
MarriageJul 31, 19461
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Stephen Douglas Houghton1

M, #83471

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Elmer Rickerson1

M, #83472

Family: Emogene Houghton b. 12 Oct 1919

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birth1
MarriageMar 28, 19421
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Jane Louisa Rickerson1

F, #83473

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Jack Edride Rickerson1

M, #83474

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Beulah Howard1

F, #83475, b. circa 1910

Family: Everett Leon Houghton b. 7 Feb 1901, d. 6 Mar 1963

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1910MI, USA, age 30 in 1940 census2
MarriageJan 22, 19211
No Childrn
1940 Census1940Flint, MI, USA, age 29, foreman, roofing co.2
DivorceMar 12, 1947Genesee, MI, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.
  2. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Flint, Genesee, Michigan; Page: 39B; Enumeration District: 0065; FHL microfilm: 2340721.

Frederick (Ted) Teeter1

M, #83476, b. 5 February 1931

Family: Barbara Ann Newman b. 19 Apr 1933

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthFeb 5, 19311
MarriageOct 4, 19531
No Childrn
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Barbara Ann Newman1

F, #83477, b. 19 April 1933

Family: Frederick (Ted) Teeter b. 5 Feb 1931

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthApr 19, 19331
MarriageOct 4, 19531
No Childrn
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

James Edward Sorenson1

M, #83478, b. 4 September 1926, d. 5 May 1928

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthSep 4, 19261
DeathMay 5, 19281
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Robert William Sorenson1

M, #83479, b. 17 June 1932, d. 1960

Family: Agnes C. Kildegaard

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJun 17, 19321
MarriageOct 26, 19521
Death19601
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Agnes C. Kildegaard1

F, #83480

Family: Robert William Sorenson b. 17 Jun 1932, d. 1960

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
MarriageOct 26, 19521
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Donald Richard Sorenson1

M, #83481, b. 18 May 1935

Family: Judith Marie Trierweiler

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthMay 18, 19351
MarriageApr 23, 19551
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Judith Marie Trierweiler1

F, #83482

Family: Donald Richard Sorenson b. 18 May 1935

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
MarriageApr 23, 19551
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Audrey Bee Culp1

F, #83483, b. 24 March 1913

Family: Richard Earl Houghton b. 21 May 1914, d. 21 Aug 1982

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMar 24, 1913MI, USA, age 27 in 1940 census1,2
MarriageApr 8, 1933Edmore, MI, USA1
1940 Census1940Roland, Isabella Co., MI, USA, age 25, elevator truck driver2
1950 US Census1950Alma, MI, USA, age 36, bean and grain elevator manager
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.
  2. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Rolland, Isabella, Michigan; Roll: T627_1766; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 37-19; line 11, dwl 127.

Larry Richard Houghton1

M, #83484, b. 27 April 1936

Family: Dolores Marie Simmons b. 11 Dec 1937, d. 21 Mar 2016

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectY
Corresponded with authorY
BirthApr 27, 1936Blanchard, Isabella Co., MI, USA, age 3 in 1940 census1,2
MarriageApr 6, 1957Alma, Gratiot Co., MI, USA1
AddressJan 7, 20064004 Wildcat Rd, St. Johns, MI, USA, shiloh@acd.net
DNA ProjectMay 23, 2006John Houghton, via son Robert; Larry is exact match of Raymond Carl Houghton
Address2009shiloh@casair.net
LivingMar, 2016St. Johns, MI, USA
Residence20221200 Wright Ave, Room 208, Alma, MI, USA, bluegills2go@gmail.com
BiographyLarry Richard Houghton: I earned a BS in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan, Dearborn Center in 1963. I served four years in the U.S. Navy Seabees as a surveyor. I worked in engineering design, management and marketing from 1963 to 1979. My wife and I purchased and operated a resort on Hamlin Lake near Ludington, MI. In 1988 we sold the business and moved to St. Johns, MI to be nearer our children and grandchildren. I worked in the insurance and financial planning field for eight years, then eased into retirement. I also got my private pilot's license in 1976 and held an amateur radio license for 35 years. My wife and I spent five years in a volunteer group called Builders for Christ in which we joined with others from all around the country to help build local churches, schools and additions.3
ContributnThe family record I have was written by Leatha E. (Houghton) Teeter in the 1950s. I think she gathered most of the information from the Detroit area libraries and, the more recent information, from her father, Marion Earl Houghton. Larry also contributed DNA to Houghton DNA Project.
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.
  2. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Rolland, Isabella, Michigan; Roll: T627_1766; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 37-19; line 11, dwl 127.
  3. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 9, 2006.

Dolores Marie Simmons1

F, #83485, b. 11 December 1937, d. 21 March 2016

Family: Larry Richard Houghton b. 27 Apr 1936

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthDec 11, 1937Saganaw, MI, USA1
MarriageApr 6, 1957Alma, Gratiot Co., MI, USA1
Address2009shiloh@casair.net
DeathMar 21, 2016St. Johns, MI, USA
ObituaryMar 22, 2016Houghton, Dolores Marie (Simmons); was born December 11, 1937 in Saginaw, MI; and passed into heaven on March 21, 2016 in St. Johns, MI. Parents Pete and Mary Simmons predeceased her, as well as brothers, Kenny and Duane. Dolores is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Larry; her sister, Donna Brown, of Alma, MI; sister-in-law, Joanne Simmons of Wausau, WI; son, Larry “Rick” Houghton II (Noel) of St. Johns, MI; son, David (Elizabeth) of Simpsonville, SC; daughter, Karla Hull of Fenton, MI; grandchildren, Peter of Elkins, WV, Shane of Los Angeles, CA, Christopher of Los Angeles, CA, Alec of Greenville, SC, Craig of Simpsonville, SC, Hannah, Shelby and Cooper Hull of Fenton, MI; and nephews and nieces, Greg, Mitchell and Joe Simmons, Paula (Simmons) Kostuck, Kurt and Kevin Brown and Kimberly (Brown) Solomon. Dolores was happiest when surrounded by family, nourishing them with both food and memories. She made an unforgettable and wonderful impression on everyone her life touched. Dolores was a dedicated, active member at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. She was an ideal Christian wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Pastor John Eich officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Alma. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lux-Moody-Wolfe Funeral Home, Alma. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7400 Begole Road, Alma, MI 48801, gslcalma@gmail.com To view Dolores’ obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com
Published in Morning Sun on Mar. 22, 20162
BurialMar 23, 2016Riverside Cemetery, Alma, MI, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.
  2. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/themorningsun/…

Larry Richard Houghton II1

M, #83486, b. 27 December 1957

Family: Noel Sullivan b. 26 Dec 1956

Biography

Corresponded with authorY
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectY
BirthDec 27, 1957Alma, Gratiot Co., MI, USA1
MarriageJun 28, 1980Lansing, MI, USA2
Author2007Emergency Characterization of Unknown Material
Biography2007Rick Houghton began his career in Michigan as a first responder with the Lansing Fire Department. He was licensed as a paramedic in 1980, certified as a fire fighter in 1981, and as a hazardous materials technician in 1986. He became a certified instructor with the Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council in 1990 and received Confined Space Rescue Certification in 1994. Rick earned an associate degree in fire science and a bachelor degree in public safety. He left Lansing Fire Department in 1999 as a captain after an injury at an industrial fire.
The author has developed and delivered several training programs on topics such as hazard identification in a crime scene hot zone. He is a contract instructor at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Advanced Training Center, providing hazard identification training to foreign counterparts of U.S. CBP officials. Recently he summarized chemical warfare agent decontamination methods for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Decontamination Team.
Rick has developed and delivered municipal and corporate first responder courses for Michigan State University’s Emergency Response Solutions since 1992. He has also designed and facilitated county- and state-wide full scale exercises. He is currently a member of the Livingston County Hazardous Material Response Team.
Rick provides training, testing and technical assistance to public and private sector organizations in emergency response. With 26 years of fire and emergency response experience, he specializes in field analysis of unknown substances and provides hazard characterization and identification of unlabeled chemicals for corporate, public safety, community and university clients. He has also co-developed and produced field test cards for first responder use on suspected biological and chemical warfare agents. He recently designed and published a qualitative analysis plan for identification of hazardous characteristics of unknown chemicals that can be used with a simple field kit.
Rick continues to make his home in Saint Johns, a rural community near Lansing, Michigan, where he can maintain a perspective of emergency response as it applies to a wide spectrum of first response capabilities.3
Occupation2007Houghtons, Inc. is my S-corporation. I'm a hazardous materials consultant
and trainer and I've written a book (www.HazardID.com). I'm routing all
those business activities through Houghtons, Inc. I called it that
because for awhile I had three generations in the family working with me.
Now its just me.
AddressMay 9, 20075307 West Price Road, Saint Johns, MI, USA, Rick Houghton, Director
Houghtons, Inc.
5307 West Price Road
Saint Johns, MI 48879
(989) 640-3043 - cell
rhoughton@homeworkswildblue.com
LivingMar, 2016St. Johns, MI, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.
  2. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, May 18, 2007.
  3. [S415] E-mail from Rick Houghton, May 2007.

Noel Sullivan1

F, #83487, b. 26 December 1956

Family: Larry Richard Houghton II b. 27 Dec 1957

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthDec 26, 1956Teaneck, NJ, USA1
MarriageJun 28, 1980Lansing, MI, USA2
LivingMar, 2016St. Johns, MI, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.
  2. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, May 18, 2007.

Peter Daniel Houghton1

M, #83488, b. 28 February 1985

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthFeb 28, 1985MI, USA1
LivingMar, 2016Elkins, WV, USA, Shane of Los Angeles, CA, Christopher of Los Angeles, CA - See more
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Shane Michael Houghton1

M, #83489, b. 3 September 1985

Biography

NotableY
Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthSep 3, 1985MI, USA1
Educationbetween 2005 and 2008Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA, Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts, Film
Author2008short film "Beneath the Sink", a funny horror film
Notable2011Comic book authors of Reed Gunther and the Steak-Snacking Snake
Author2011All-ages indie comic Reed Gunther is coming to Image in June, and to celebrate, creators Shane & Chris Houghton are throwing a contest; you can win an original page of art from Reed Gunther #1. All the details are at the Reed Gunther website. The rules are simple: print out the “Wanted” poster from the site, take it to your local comic shop, and ask the shop staff to hang it in the store. When they do, take a picture of yourself beside the poster and send it in. All submissions go into a hat, and the one lucky person whose name is pulled out wins the page, which you can also see at the site. The contest ends on April 28, so don’t dawdle.

So what is this Reed Gunther comic all about?

It’s a comedic western about a cowboy named Reed Gunther; strong, bold, fearless, and not quite as bright as he thinks he is, Reed is often the cause of the problems he faces. Fortunately, Reed can depend on his best friend and trusty steed, a grizzly bear named Sterling, to rescue him. Sterling is fiercely loyal, resourceful and heroic; he may occasionally roll his eyes at Reed’s impulsive actions, but he’s always ready to back up his friend.Together with a tough-as-nails, no-nonsense cattle-wrangler named Starla (whom Reed persists in seeing as a damsel in distress, though she’s not very damsel-like and seldom in distress), Reed and Sterling battle gigantic snakes, mutant mole-people, and various monsters across the West.

The first four issues were self-published by Shane & Chris in black & white in 2009-2010; the Image run will publish those stories in full color, followed by at least six more issues. After the tenth issue, the series may be extended, depending on the sales figures.

Writer Shane Houghton is a video editor, his younger brother, artist Chris Houghton, works at Nickelodeon as a storyboard artist. They have been developing Reed Gunther for a few years now, and are very excited to be working with Image to bring the book to a larger audience. I met with them over lunch in Burbank to hear about the project. The very youthful brothers projected a contagious enthusiasm for their comic, which has already become one of my new favorites. One reason for this is their personal connection to one of their characters; Sterling is named after their childhood pet, a golden retriever who shared a lot of personality traits with his ursine namesake. Sterling was a smart and loyal dog; the Houghton brothers grew up in a rural area in Michigan, and their dogs, Sterling and a black Labrador named Riley, often ran free in the woods beside their home. On one occasion, a pair of drunken and irresponsible hunters happened to be nearby and decided that it would be fun to shoot the dogs. Riley died immediately, but Sterling, despite being wounded, managed to make it home and bark insistently at the boys’ mother “just like Lassie” to get her to come to Riley’s aid. Sterling made a full recovery and lived for several more years, and today he lives on in the form of a cartoon bear.

Chris and Shane can be found this month at the Long Beach Comic-Con, Wizard World Anaheim. On Free Comic Book Day in May, they will conduct a “how to make comics” workshop for kids at Meltdown on Sunset.

The Reed Gunther website has a few kid-friendly features; coloring pages, wallpapers and pin-ups, “how it’s done” features showing the creation process, and a time-lapse video of Chris inking a page. Pop on by and take a look.

The first Image issue, Reed Gunther and the Steak-Snacking Snake, will go on sale June 1; it’s available for order in the current issue of Previews. The order code is APR110403.
LivingMar, 2016Los Angeles, CA, USA
BiographyReed Gunther writer, Shane Houghton, is a comic book writer and an award winning filmmaker. He has created videos for various comedy related websites including FunnyOrDie.com, FilmFights.com, and Channel 101. He lives in a house in Los Angeles with his girlfriend and a bunch of dudes.

Reed Gunther artist, Chris Houghton, has contributed work to Heeby Jeeby Comix, MAD Magazine, and Kung Fu Panda comics. He is a member of the National Cartoonists Society and is currently working at Nickelodeon. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Kassandra, and wonder cat, Simon.
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.

Christopher Colin Houghton1

M, #83490, b. 23 May 1988

Family: Kassandra (?)

Biography

NotableY
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMay 23, 1988MI, USA1
Educationbetween 2006 and 2010College for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI, USA, Bachelor of Fine Arts: Illustration
Marriage
Author2011All-ages indie comic Reed Gunther is coming to Image in June, and to celebrate, creators Shane & Chris Houghton are throwing a contest; you can win an original page of art from Reed Gunther #1. All the details are at the Reed Gunther website. The rules are simple: print out the “Wanted” poster from the site, take it to your local comic shop, and ask the shop staff to hang it in the store. When they do, take a picture of yourself beside the poster and send it in. All submissions go into a hat, and the one lucky person whose name is pulled out wins the page, which you can also see at the site. The contest ends on April 28, so don’t dawdle.

So what is this Reed Gunther comic all about?

It’s a comedic western about a cowboy named Reed Gunther; strong, bold, fearless, and not quite as bright as he thinks he is, Reed is often the cause of the problems he faces. Fortunately, Reed can depend on his best friend and trusty steed, a grizzly bear named Sterling, to rescue him. Sterling is fiercely loyal, resourceful and heroic; he may occasionally roll his eyes at Reed’s impulsive actions, but he’s always ready to back up his friend.Together with a tough-as-nails, no-nonsense cattle-wrangler named Starla (whom Reed persists in seeing as a damsel in distress, though she’s not very damsel-like and seldom in distress), Reed and Sterling battle gigantic snakes, mutant mole-people, and various monsters across the West.

The first four issues were self-published by Shane & Chris in black & white in 2009-2010; the Image run will publish those stories in full color, followed by at least six more issues. After the tenth issue, the series may be extended, depending on the sales figures.

Writer Shane Houghton is a video editor, his younger brother, artist Chris Houghton, works at Nickelodeon as a storyboard artist. They have been developing Reed Gunther for a few years now, and are very excited to be working with Image to bring the book to a larger audience. I met with them over lunch in Burbank to hear about the project. The very youthful brothers projected a contagious enthusiasm for their comic, which has already become one of my new favorites. One reason for this is their personal connection to one of their characters; Sterling is named after their childhood pet, a golden retriever who shared a lot of personality traits with his ursine namesake. Sterling was a smart and loyal dog; the Houghton brothers grew up in a rural area in Michigan, and their dogs, Sterling and a black Labrador named Riley, often ran free in the woods beside their home. On one occasion, a pair of drunken and irresponsible hunters happened to be nearby and decided that it would be fun to shoot the dogs. Riley died immediately, but Sterling, despite being wounded, managed to make it home and bark insistently at the boys’ mother “just like Lassie” to get her to come to Riley’s aid. Sterling made a full recovery and lived for several more years, and today he lives on in the form of a cartoon bear.

Chris and Shane can be found this month at the Long Beach Comic-Con, Wizard World Anaheim. On Free Comic Book Day in May, they will conduct a “how to make comics” workshop for kids at Meltdown on Sunset.

The Reed Gunther website has a few kid-friendly features; coloring pages, wallpapers and pin-ups, “how it’s done” features showing the creation process, and a time-lapse video of Chris inking a page. Pop on by and take a look.

The first Image issue, Reed Gunther and the Steak-Snacking Snake, will go on sale June 1; it’s available for order in the current issue of Previews. The order code is APR110403.
Notable2011Comic book authors of Reed Gunther and the Steak-Snacking Snake
Address2011Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, USA
LivingMar, 2016Los Angeles, CA, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Larry R. Houghton, Jan 7, 2006.