Joseph Eugene Houser, Jr., 88, of Lexington, VA, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Lexington, VA.

He was born January 23, 1923 in Botetourt County, the son of the late Joseph Eugene Houser, Sr. and Sally Sizer Houser.

Mr. Houser was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church.

He worked for Peoples Life Insurance in Washington, DC before retiring and moving to Lexington.

Joe drove a school bus for the Rockbridge County School System for eighteen years.

He served in the 160th Field Hospital during World War II, and was a member of the Rockbridge Antique Car Club.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Marie Lee Houser; one daughter, Janice Howard (Randy) of Trenton, GA; three sons, Joseph E. Houser, III of Lexington; Edward L. Houser; Ronald G. Houser (Tammy), both of Phoenix, AZ; ten grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Harrison Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Norman Tippens and the Rev. James Grimmer officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Buchanan, VA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Rockbridge Area Hospice, P.O. Box 948 Lexington, VA 24450 or the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106A, Roanoke, VA 24018.

The family will receive friends at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.