John William “Hoot” Van Houten, 80, of Columbia City, passed away at 2:15 a.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at his home.

Born on May 18, 1946, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was a son of the late Dale Kinsey Van Houten and Crystal Edduce (Cramar) Van Houten. Growing up in Union Twp., Whitley County, he completed Coesse Elementary School and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1964.

After graduation, he went to work for Weatherhead in Columbia City until he was inducted into the U.S. Army on November 23, 1965. He became a heavy vehicle mechanic with the Fifth Army. He was honorably discharged from active duty on November 22, 1976. While serving with the Army, he married Kathleen Jean Pequignot on December 31, 1966. They made their first home in Manitou, CO.

After completing his military service, the couple made their home at Loon Lake, Columbia City, raising four children. John returned to his job at Weatherhead as a process and quality control engineer, later becoming Weatherhead/Dana. In 1978, the family moved to Columbia City. In 1999, he retired from Weatherhead/Dana and took a process/quality control job with Kilgore Manufacturing in Columbia City, retiring in 2009.

Mechanically inclined, John enjoyed repairing and restoring vintage cars. He shared his passion by founding the Route 30 Car Club, helping fellow enthusiasts care for their classic cars and hosting events throughout the year. A talented artist, he also designed and painted signs for other car enthusiasts. Of the many cars in his collection, his favorite was his 1955 Ford station wagon. He also owned a 1965 Mustang, a 1964 Falcon, and a rare pair of Falcon Rancheros—one from 1964 and one from 1965. Drawing on his expertise and auto body skills, John started a hobby business, Van Houten Paints, where he provided bodywork and painting services to fellow classic-car enthusiasts. He passed his passion for old cars on to his children and grandchildren by involving them in his shop. Many knew him as the Man, the Myth, the Legend.

In his younger years, he was a fast-pitch softball pitcher in the area leagues and was instrumental in installing the Morsches Park ball diamonds. He also played adult basketball at the area gymnasiums.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 59 years, Kathleen; children, Jon “JT” (Pamela) Van Houten of Columbia City, Bruce (Tara) Van Houten of Litchfield Park, AZ, Melissa (Todd) Hall, and Debra Van Houten, both of Columbia City; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Dale (Doris) Van Houten, and a sister and brother-in-law, Ada (Frank) Schrader.

John desired no services. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in John’s honor are to final expenses c/o Smith & Sons Funeral Home.