Walter "Wally" Houston, 71, formerly of Jacksonville, IL, passed away Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, in Peoria, IL. He was born Oct. 28, 1949, in Springfield, the son of Carroll and Betty Lewis Houston. He is survived by his four children, Jamie Burleson of Mishawaka, IN, Jodie (Chris) Fairfield of Jacksonville, Jearrie Jo Burleson of Kokomo, IN, and Jeffrey (Josh) Burleson of Phoenix, AZ; two sisters, Brenda (Mike) Walker of Winchester, and Sarah (Jerry) Austiff of Bourbonnais; three grandchildren, Stephen Fairfield, Jacqueline Fairfield, and Ryan Wood; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved horses, Skippy and Zippy. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Wally was a 1968 graduate of Jacksonville High School. He served in the United States Army with the Combat Engineers During the Vietnam War. He was a self-employed contractor and was fondly referred to as "Buck the Bridge Builder." Wally was a proud member of the Free Masons, VFW, and the American Legion. He loved riding his horses and anything having to do with the outdoors. Funeral services will be held 11 am Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Berea Cemetery, south of Prentice. Due to the pandemic and understanding that only 50 people can be in the funeral home at one time, a walk-through visitation will be held from 4-6 pm Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at the funeral home. Masks and social distancing are required. Memorials are suggested to Wounded Warrior Project or Shriners Hospital for Children. Condolences may be sent at buchanancody.com. Visitation Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel Wednesday, February 17, 2021 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 1100 Lincoln Ave. Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 Funeral Service Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel Thursday, February 18, 2021 11:00 AM 1100 Lincoln Ave. Jacksonville, Illinois 62650