Labor mourns the loss of Thomas L. Houchin

By BERRY CRAIG

AFT Local 1360

Louisville has lost another veteran trade unionist.

Thomas L. Houchin, a retired member of Louisville IAM Local 681, died Monday. He was 85.

Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. next Wednesday at Heady-Hardy Funeral Home, 7710 Dixie Hwy. Burial will follow at Bethany Cemetery in Louisville. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. next Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

"Tom Houchin was a solid trade unionist who represented his members for many, many years," said Bill Londrigan, Kentucky State AFL-CIO president. "Even after he retired, he continued to support working people every way that he possibly could. He was there every time there was a picket line, demonstration or a rally. We will certainly miss him."

Londrigan said Houchin was a past president of the Greater Louisville Central Labor Council Retirees. In addition, he helped start the Kentucky chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans, where he served on the board of directors. “Please keep Tom's family in your thoughts and prayers during the holiday season,” asked Kirk Gillenwaters, Kentucky ARA president and a Louisville UAW 862 retiree.

"Tom would always show up in times of need and for actions and meetings," said Tim Morris, GLCLC executive director. "He was always very engaged in helping bring more retirees from different unions together so they could better address retiree issues." 

Morris added that Houchin's death is "a big loss for Louisville labor and Kentucky labor and American labor. We will miss his smile, his kindness and his steadfastness in support of workers' rights and the rights of all retirees and senior citizens." 

Said Kay Tillow, another longtime Louisville labor activist: "Over many years I was Tom's partner for the labor walks. During that time I learned of his singing talents and his barbershop quartet.  I am among the many who will miss him.  May his family and friends find comfort in the memories of this strong union man.”