Dean Wright Houck, 78, a retired Navy commander who had held product support posts with Grumman Aircraft Corp. and Defense Research Technologies and Co. in the Washington area, died of pulmonary embolism died December 14, 1999 at Northern Virginia Community Hospital in Arlington. He lived in Annandale.

He worked for Grumman from 1967 to 1971 and for Defense Research Technologies from 1985 until retiring altogether in 1992.

Commander Houck, who attended junior college in his native Des Moines, Iowa, became a Navy officer and naval aviator in 1942. He flew combat missions in the Pacific during World War II, attended the Naval War College in 1955 and served as air officer aboard the carrier Coral Sea before retiring from active duty in 1965.

His decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air medals.

He had served as national first treasurer of the Tailhook Association. 

He had sung in the choir at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, had done volunteer work with the Christ House in Alexandria and was a member of the Optimists Club.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Anne Niemann Houck of Annandale; a son, Dean Joseph Houck of Reston; five daughters, Deanne Houck Fullerton of Augusta, Ga., Marcelline Houck Jacomet of Falls Church, Elizabeth Houck Simone of Stuart, Fla., Michele Houck Wike of Hamilton, and Susan Houck Oliver of Wilmington, Del.; a brother; a sister; 17 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

On Tuesday, December 14, 1999 of Annandale, VA loving husband of  Anne L. Houck; father of Deanne, Marcy, Mary Beth, Mickie, Susie, and Joe; brother of Donna and Greg. Also survived by 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Monday, December 27, 8:45 a.m. at Ft. Myer Chapel. Interment Arlington National Cemetery.

Air Medal (3)