Richard M. Houp, 81, of Leetonia, passed away on January 31, 2026, at Hospice House in Poland, with his daughter by his side.

Richard was born on August 30, 1944, in Roaring Springs, PA, the son of E. Maxwell and Gwendoline (Rourke) Houp.  He graduated from Crestview High School in 1962, and enlisted in the US Army serving in Germany during the Vietnam War. Upon discharge from the Army, he worked as a machinist at Crane Deming Pump Co. in Salem, Ohio until retiring upon its closure in 2005.

Richard was a 50-year member of the American Legion where had served many positions at Benjamin Firestone Post 290, District 10 and the Department of Ohio. He was a vital member of the District 10 Leadership Team where he had served as Asst. Judge Advocate, Finance Committee, Americanism, Task Force and Advisory Committee. He had represented in many conferences over the years at the District, State, and National levels. He was an active participant in the Columbiana Memorial Day Parade and Service, Street Fair and in 2019, he collaborated to bring the Wreathes Across America program to Columbiana and other local cemeteries to honor and remember those who served.

He was particularly proud of working with children & youth through the Americanism Program which included Buckeye Boys State and A&G testing. He also belonged to Cheateau 40 et. 8 for 40 years, the Washingtonville VFW Post 5532, and the New Waterford Eagles. Earlier in life, he enjoyed bowling and served as a 4-H advisor.

He will be greatly missed by his daughter, Lisa Smith and her husband Jeff of Lisbon; his brothers James Houp and Albert (Barbara) Houp; sister Elizabeth 'Betty' Houp, and his many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert 'Curly' Houp, niece Jennifer Houp and nephew Tristan Metzgar.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February, 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home, 154 S. Elm Street, Columbiana. Military honors will be accorded after the service by American Legion Post 290 Color Guard.

The family will receive friends at 11:00 A.M., two hours before the services at the funeral home.

He will be laid to rest at the Columbiana Cemetery.

The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Legion Post #290, 44403 State Route 14, Columbiana, Ohio 44408, earmarked for Buckeye Boys State in memory of Dick Houp.

Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.

American Legion Post 290
44403 State Route 14, Columbiana OH 44408