Ben Housman Jr.

Ben Housman Jr., 78, a Carson City resident for the past 17 years, died March 21, 2005, at Washoe Medical Center.

He was born Feb. 14, 1927, in Detroit to Bennett Sr. and Stella Whitmore Housman.

He entered the University of Michigan at age 16 and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in engineering and from RPI with a master's degree in electrical engineering.

Before moving to Carson City, he lived in San Jose, Calif.

Mr. Housman worked for IBM for 37 years. While employed by IBM, he worked on projects with the government, CIA, American Airlines and State Farm Insurance. He also received many computer-design patent awards.

He enjoyed bowling, painting and Yahtzee.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, on Jan. 21, 2005.

Among his survivors are his son, Mark of Pukalani, Maui; daughters Kim Housman of Carson City and Wendy Sharpless of Temecula, Calif.; son-in-law, Michael Edward Sharpless of Temecula; and granddaughters Katie and Kellie.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6490 S. McCarran Blvd., Reno 89509.

A family service will be in Hawaii at a later date.

FitzHenry's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.