Lt Col Donald C Houldsworth (USAF Retired) passed away December 14, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born in Berlin NH on October 30, 1934, the sixth child, third son of Leslie & Florence (Fancy). He grew up in Malden MA, graduating from Malden High School 1953. In 1956 he earned his BS in education from Boston University. He was commissioned as a 2 LT thru the AFROTC program entering USAF active duty 1957. Completing Basic Navigation Training in 1958, assigned to an Air Refueling Squadron in Bossier City, LA as crew navigator on KC-97s. In 1960, his squadron moved to Ernest Harmon AFB Newfoundland, serving as a stan/eval navigator on KC-97.
He met Jackie Casey USAF RN, and was married January 20, 1962 in Cheyenne WY. After which they were both assigned to Wright Patterson AFB Dayon OH. Don to KC135 squadron and Jackie to the base hospital. While here their first child Kimberly was born.
After four yrs in OH, Don was assigned to Grand Forks, ND AFB serving 4 years as a Minuteman Missile Combat Crew Commander. Here their son, Christopher was born.
Don earned a Master of Science in Industrial Management from the University of ND.
Don’s next assignment was to Nakhom Phanon Royal Thai AFB flying 120 combat missions over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in C-123 (Candlestick) and AC 119 (stinger) aircraft for one year.
During his time at NKP he was awarded the distinguished Flying Cross and 8 Air Medals.
Upon his return to the US, Don was assigned to the KC-135 Squadron at Pease AFB, NH. He served as a crew navigator, instructor and stan eval navigator until 1974 when he left crew duty and moved to Current Ops Div. In 1975 he assisted in establishing the Pease Tanker Task Force Operations Division and served as its first chief.
In May 1977 – December 1978 he was assigned as the Commander of AMS. In the ensuing 4 yrs he served as Chief Aircraft Maintenance Quality Control, Interim Commander of AMS and a short stint as Commander, Organizational Maintenance Squadron, retiring from Pease AFB June 1982.
Throughout his life on the Seacoast he was an active member with the SPEBSQSA Barbershop Group, Yankee Clipper Chorus as well as the quartet, the Salt Water Tuffies.
In his retirement he took a job at the College for Lifelong Learning. His most loved retirement job was as a Marshall and starter at Pease Golf Course, where he accomplished 2 holes in one.
Sadly, he is predeceased by Jackie, his wife of 40 years and his 5 siblings. And his 2nd wife Faye French of 17 years. And stepson Kevin Montville.
He is Loving Missed by his daughter Kim who he adored (Mark), ok son Chris (Nikki) Grandsons Jack and Tyler (Alysha) and Great Grandson Henry. Stepchildren Laura Montville (Paul) Ari and Jade. Jeannie Evans (Steve) Nancy (Kevin) Montville and Bruce Montville, as well as numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Services. A time of visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Friday, December 19, 2025 at J Verne Wood Funeral Home – Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad Street, Portsmouth. A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM at the funeral home on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Interment with military honors will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Seacoast Village Project at Seacoastvillageproject.org and or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home – Buckminster Chapel.