Houseknecht, Byron W.

91 of Chandler, AZ, passed away on October 3, 2017. He was born in Trinidad, CO on November 27, 1925 to Ferden and Fay Overton Houseknecht. He spent his formative years in Oakland, CA and Trinidad, CO. A WWII USN veteran, he returned to Trinidad to attend TSJC and met his wife of 68 years, Ruth Ann Roper, who predeceased him in 2015. He continued his education at the University of Colorado,Tulane University, and the University of Denver, receiving his MSW in 1958. He began his career in social work with the state of New Mexico. In 1961 the BIA offered him a position in Shiprock, NM and he spent the next two decades working on the Navajo Reservation, moving to Window Rock, AZ in 1963. After serving as area social worker in Window Rock, he retired from the Phoenix office and was able to pursue his interests in trains, airplanes, history, and genealogical research. During his career he was involved in many service organizations including Lions Club and Rotary Club. He was an incorporator and served on the original Board of Directors for Saint Michaels Association For Special Education Inc. As a result of his genealogical research, he was proud to claim several Revolutionary War veterans as ancestors which enabled membership in the SAR. Byron is survived by his three children: Claudia (Richard) Dugan, Rev. Eric Houseknecht, and Chris (Christine) Houseknecht; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother-in-law Jim (Sally) Roper and family. A private, family service with military honors will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656.