Sylvester Houston

Sylvester Houston, 82 of Massillon, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 8, 2022. Sylvester was born on September 10, 1939, in College Park, Georgia the son of the late Rufus Benjamin Houston and Lula (Luke) Houston. Sylvester entered the Marines in 1958. After his honorable discharge in 1962, he relocated to Massillon where he became a member of the Massillon Police Department. He was also employed by Apple Creek State Hospital and later retiring from Fresh Mark Meats. He was a very active member of several houses of Masonry including the Hiram Abiff Lodge No. 72 of Canton; Al Kaf 109 of Akron, OH; Bezaleel Consistory No. 15 of Cleveland and Golgotha Commandery No. 36 of Akron, OH. Sylvester was a longtime member of St. James AME Zion Church where he served faithfully on many boards and organizations. He was a dedicated and devoted member of the Board of Trustees, Sunday School, Usher Board, Bible Study, and Men’s Fellowship. Sylvester loved reading, listening to music, playing cards, traveling, and loved interacting and laughing with others. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by Mrs. Shirley (Brown) Houston, his sister Mrs. Ruth Addy, and his brother Mr. James Houston. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Evelyn (Donald) Houston, nieces, Debra Johnson, Dorothy Young, Patricia Canady, and nephew Roy Williams, Jr., and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. A Home Going Celebration will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. Those unable to attend the service may click on Facebook Live Streaming at 11 a.m. to watch the service. Burial will follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10-11 a.m. before the service. Messages of comfort and support may be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory (330) 833-3222