Family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Grace Apostolic Church, 1743 E. Lakeview Avenue, Columbus, OH 43224. Interment: Union Cemetery.

John Benard Houston III was born on March 19, 1975, to John and Patricia Houston. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend who touched countless lives with his radiant smile and contagious laughter. John had an unbreakable spirit and an inspiring determination. Despite living with cerebral palsy, he embraced life fully and spread joy to everyone around him. He grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where he became well known for rolling up in his wheelchair and cheerfully greeting everyone he met. John loved to joke around—and often cracked himself up in the process.  

A proud graduate of Beechcroft High School, John went on to work for more than 20 years at ARC Industries. He enjoyed traveling, swimming, comedy, and hip-hop music. His favorite rapper was Too Short—and he made sure everyone around him knew it.  Known affectionately by many as “John-John,” he was the light of the family. His loving spirit and strength inspired all who knew him.  

John traveled far and wide, whether it was to explore an amusement park, attend a concert, or relax on a beach. His family ensured he experienced the beauty of the world and always felt loved. He shared a deep and unbreakable bond with his brother and close family members. Kevin and John were inseparable from birth—true examples of “my brother’s keeper.” His family meant everything to him, and his legacy of love, resilience, and compassion lives on in them.  

John is preceded in death by his grandparents, Peggy and Frank Kelley and John and Jean Houston; his uncle’s Silas Houston, Donald Kelley, and Ronald Kelley; and his aunt, Faye Lyons.

He leaves behind a host of loving family and friends who will forever cherish his memory, including his parents, John and Patricia Houston; his brother Kevin (Stephanie) Houston; nieces Kierra, Kayla, and Kennedy; nephew Kevin Jr.; great-nephew Karson; aunts Venida Houston, Toy ( Nigel) Turpin, Toni Thornton, Margretta( Roger) Gallaher; uncles, Frank Kelley Jr, Keith (Colette) Houston, Kedar (Karen) Bolden and special caretakers Andre Jackson and Uncle Kedar, in addition to many extended family members and close friends.  

John’s passing leaves a profound void in our hearts, but we are comforted knowing that his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us.