— Richard J. Houk, Ph.D., 90, passed away Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at Holy Cross Village in Notre Dame, Ind.

He was born on Aug. 19, 1921, in Logansport to the late Edward P. and Florence (Minneman) Houk.

Dr. Houk was a 1933 graduate of St. Vincent DePaul grade school in Logansport and a 1937 graduate of Logansport High School. In 1941, he received his bachelor’s degree in geography from Indiana University and then later in 1950 received his Ph.D. in geography from Northwestern University where his thesis was on “The Portuguese Maritime Fishing Industry.”

Richard retired as a professor of geography for DePaul University where he founded the geography department and taught for over 50 years beginning in 1946. He was known for his innovative teaching methods.

In 1943, he joined the Army Air Corps. In 1944, because of his ability to speak Spanish and Portuguese, he was selected for duty with the Weather Service at a secret air base in the Azores.

From his doctoral thesis, he composed a chapter in the Encyclopedia Britannica regarding the Portuguese fishing industry. Additionally, he was published in Collier’s Encyclopedia and many scholarly geographic publications.

During his long career, Dr. Houk received many awards and recognitions. In 1964, he was awarded the decoration of Caballero del Orden de Merito Civil by the Spanish government in recognition of years of unique efforts to increase and improve good relations between the United States and Spain. Dr. Houk was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship, and in 1967 and 1968, he lived in Portugal and studied Portugal’s agricultural industry.

Dr. Houk founded the DePaul Geographical Society, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Over his lifetime, he visited in excess of 100 countries on six continents and led tour groups to many of these. His favorites included Portugal and Spain.

He was very devoted to his family by whom he is survived including a brother, James (Agnes) Houk of South Bend; many nieces and nephews, including Peggy and John Gibney of South Bend, Phillip and Lynda Houk of Fort Wayne, Thomas Houk of San Diego, Larry and Mary Gingrich of Valparaiso, Paul and Kim Gingrich of Plattsburgh, N.Y., and Dan and Peggy Gingrich of Logansport.

One niece, Janet Mullineaux; one sister, Betty Gingrich; and one brother, J. David Houk, preceded him in death.

The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. CST Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, at St. Athanasius Catholic Church in Evanston, Ill., a parish he attended for many years. Mozart’s Requiem will be performed live in the service. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. CST until the time of services.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. EST on Friday at the Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel, Logansport, with full military graveside rites. Visitation will be 30 minutes prior to the service in Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers masses and prayers be offered for the repose of his soul, or contributions be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy in Chicago and the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gundrum Funeral Home in Logansport.