Daniel Houghtaling

Daniel Leighton Houghtaling, of Floral City, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024 in Brooksville under hospice care. He was 85.
Dan was born in Bradenton, Florida to Julius and Edith (Courter) Houghtaling of Dooley Groves and was the youngest of five. Everyone worked hard in the orange groves, including nieces, nephews and grandchildren! Dan was a grove manager and kept bees for a time, and was much admired by his oldest nephew, only ten years younger than he. Dan served in the US Army in the early 1960’s, met and married Patricia Cross, and children followed, though the marriage later ended. Years later, he met Anna Mae Parker, whom he’d known from High School. They married on Christmas Day, 1986, and have been inseparable ever since!
In 1996 Dan was ordained a Seventh Day Adventist pastor, and was very dedicated for over 20 years, serving in Alabama, Missouri, Iowa and Florida. He was the pastor who consistently brought healing and growth through evangelism to churches in difficult places. Even after retirement, he continued leading Bible Studies, teaching Sabbath School, and preaching.
Dan and Anna Mae returned to Florida about ten years ago, making their home in Floral City. Those left to cherish Dan’s memory are his loving wife of nearly 38 years; his sons Gregory S. Houghtaling (wife Denise) of Mount Vernon, Washington; Jonathon Randall (Randy) Houghtaling Storm (wife Laura) of Norfolk, Virginia; and Harry M. Castillo of Brandon, Florida; his daughter Judith M. Houghtaling of Port Townsend, Washington; eight grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all.
Funeral services for Dan will be held at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 10:00am. He will be laid to rest in Florida National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness.