Philip A. Houghton, 85, of North Kirby, died suddenly Tuesday morning, Oct. 4, 2005, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. He was born May 9, 1920, in Lyndonville, Vt., son of the late Paul A. and Ruby L. (Page) Houghton. He was schooled in Lyndonville and was a member of Lyndon Institute's Class of 1938. Phil served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army, serving overseas with the 20th Armored Division in France, Germany, Belgium and Holland. On Sept. 1, 1951, he married Dorothy E. "Dot" Gero. They lived many years in North Kirby on the farm they worked raising replacement heifers and crops. Phil also worked at Vermont Tap & Die in Lyndonville for 17 years before expanding his farming operation to milking his fine herd of Holstein cattle. Known for helping his community, Phil served the town of Kirby as a former selectman and lister for many years. He enjoyed his family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hunting, working with horses, traveling and camping when they found the time also brought him great pleasure. Survivors include his four children, Sandi Aldrich of Burke Hollow, Steve Houghton of North Kirby and his special companion Susan Lumbra of St. Johnsbury, Lisle Houghton and his wife Vicki of Waterford, and Daniel Houghton and his wife Julie of North Kirby; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Polly Taylor and her husband Albert of South Kirby; his in-laws, Beryl Houghton of Lyndon, Marge and Larry Cassady of Lyndonville, Ken Gero of Albuquerque, NM, Lucy and Carlton Castel of Florida, Roy and Millie Gero of Barton, and Pat and Butch Forget of Lyndonville; nieces; nephews; and several close friends. Phil was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Dorothy "Dot" Houghton, on June 11, 2002; and his brother, Mickey Houghton, this last spring. Graveside services will be held Saturday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m., in the North Kirby Cemetery with Mr. John Sleeper officiating. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Philip Houghton's memory may be directed to ACS-Relay for Life, 121 Connor Way, Suite 240, P.O. Box 1460, Williston, VT 05495.