Glenn W. Houston, 95, of Alton, IL born June 23, 1914 in Shawneetown, Illinois, died Friday October 23, 2009 at Eunice Smith Nursing Home in Alton, Illinois.

Glenn retired as a machinist from Reynolds Aluminum and was a member of the International Association of Machinists District 9 for over 50 years. He was a graduate of the David Rankin school of Mechanical Trades studying welding, drafting and refrigeration. In later years he taught evening classes at the school. He was a long time volunteer at the St. Louis YMCA., and in 1987 received the man of the year award for his service. He was a member of the Zion Methodist Church of St. Louis and a supporter of the Missouri Wildlife Rescue Center.

He was very proud of his military service and joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 28 as one of the original crew members of the air craft carrier U.S.S. Belleau Wood from its launching in 1942 in Camden New Jersey and served in the Pacific theater until the end of WW II. Throughout WW II the Belleau Wood received 12 battle stars for its participation in many battles while surviving a kamikaze attack in which 95 crew members lost their life. After the war she was designated a 12 star Lady. He was an active member of the U.S.S. Belleau Wood Association.

He is preceded in death by:

• Wife: Anna C Houston nee Seitz
• Parents: Walter S. and Tessie Ann nee Strong, Houston
• Sisters
• Millie Knor
• Pauline Hobbs
• Elizabeth Flechsig
• Mary Mariah Houston
• Brother: George Houston