Paul Edward Houghton, Sr. peacefully passed away at his home in Berlin on August 15, 2010. Born in East Montpelier, VT on June 14, 1926 to Guy and Jennie (Locke) Houghton, he attended elementary and middle schools in Franconia, NH. He was a Sergeant in the 63rd division of the US Army, serving in France and Germany. He was wounded in Germany and received the Purple Heart. He was working on Boca Grande, FL when he met Mary Polk. They were married on April 15, 1948. He recently said that if he had his life to live over, there's a lot he would change, but not the person he married. Their union has lasted 62 years. After working as a school bus driver and custodian on Boca Grande, he took a job with First National Groceries. He was transferred to Littleton, NH and then to Montpelier in 1952. After the chain closed, he worked in Central Vermont for many years as painter and carpenter until he retired in 1991. Paul was a loving father to their children, David, Jean Ann and Paul, Jr. He and Mary also raised their two nephews, Norman and Michael Scolaro. Paul loved the outdoors; he enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing with his children and grandchildren, and always had lovely flower and vegetable gardens. Paul was an American patriot, proud to have been born on Flag Day and to have served his country. He was a lifetime member of the VFW. He also had a dual lifetime membership with the American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion, and always flew a flag at his home. Among the highlights in recent years was a trip to Washington, DC to attend the dedication of the World War II memorial in 2004. In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by his sister, Helen Burlock of Vergennes, five children: David Polk and his partner, Sandra Davis of Defuniak Springs, FL, Jean Ann and Fred DeMag of Greensboro, Paul Houghton, Jr. of Barre, Norman and Diane Scolaro of Calais, and Michael and Diane Scolaro of Montpelier; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is predeceased by four brothers George, Wesley, Carroll and Leonard. Calling hours will be held on Friday evening, August 20th from 6-8 pm at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier. A graveside service with military honors will take place on Saturday, August 21st at 11:00 am at the Berlin Corners Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 or American Legion Post 3, 21 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.