Houston Derek St. John went to be with our Lord on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, November 5, 2013, as the result of tragic car accident. Houston came into the world as a gift from God to Bishop David and Theresa St. John and his older brother Austin on October 2, 1996, in Kansas City, Kansas.

Houston's day was revolving around one of the things he loved most - musical theater. He was excited to be auditioning that afternoon for the musical at Shawnee Mission West where he was a junior. And that evening was to be a dress rehearsal for his role as Tarzan for Christian Youth Theater. Houston was a natural entertainer and brought crowds to their feet with his magical voice, his electric stage presence and ability to bring the stage to life. He was a beloved member of Chorale and Madrigals as well as the theater department at Shawnee Mission West. He played on the football team as a freshman and planned to play again next year as a senior. Houston was also actively involved in Christian Youth Theater, Immeasurable Productions, Stage Right Performing Arts and Music Theater for Young People. Houston was a 2013 finalist for KC Superstar, but was unable to perform because of an emergency appendectomy. But even more than theater, Houston loved our Lord, Jesus Christ. He never had an unkind word for anyone and was a source of strength for his friends. He often told them that the Lord has a plan, we just don't always understand what it is. Houston wanted to be a successful entertainer so he would have a larger platform to tell the world about Jesus.

Houston was actively involved in the ministries at his father's church, Journey Church of Lenexa. The members of the congregation were treated to frequent displays of his love of song and dance. It was impossible to see Houston on stage without feeling his infectious joy. Houston had no sense of direction and without a GPS who knows where he would end up. He was always smiling and wanted other people to smile, too, so he made sure to have a practical joke ready at the drop of a hat. He had a gift for making a somber situation less dreary. Even as he grew up, he never lost his child-like joy in simple things like Halloween.

Houston will forever be missed by his parents, David and Theresa; his brother Austin, and Austin's fiancée Crystal Dowling; the love of his young life Maggie Marx; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. In heaven he joins his paternal grandparents Rev. Edward and Lovell St. John and his maternal grandparents Charles and Jean Pritchard.

Online Condolences may be expressed at www.houstonstjohn.com.

Services

Visitation for family and friends:

Friday, November 8, 2013 — 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Amos Family Funeral Home

Memorial for Shawnee Mission West Family:

Friday, November 8, 2013 — 6:30 p.m.

Shawnee Mission West Auditorium

Celebration of Life and Burial:

Saturday, November 9, 2013 — 10:00 a.m.

Lenexa Baptist Church, 15320 W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, officiated by Bishop Mitchell Corder

Burial following in Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens, Shawnee, Kansas

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested you make donations to Journey Church of Lenexa, 8865 Bourgade Avenue, Lenexa, Kansas 66219.