BANGOR and BREWER - Joseph R. Houston, 88, died March 7, 2008, at an Orono health care facility. He was born Dec. 28, 1919, in Farmington, the son of Howard R. Houston and Ethel (Rollins) Houston. He was a graduate of Brewer High School, Class of 1937 and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in chemistry in 1941 from Bates College, Lewiston. He served on active duty in the Army Air Force from 1941 to 1945, stationed in England and France during World War II. After World War II, he earned his master's degree in geology from Harvard University. Joe worked for the U.S. government as a geologist. From 1960 to 1990, he worked for the state of Maine as a chemist. He is a life member of Trout Unlimited, Maine Trapper's Association, National Rifle Association, Veazie Salmon Club, Penobscot Salmon Club and Atlantic Salmon Federation. He was an excellent swimmer and won numerous trophies for swimming. Joe was an avid hunter, trapper and fly fisherman. He spent much time at his camp in Oxbow, as well as his brother's, John J. Houston, hunting camp in Argyle. His passion was fishing for Atlantic salmon on the Penobscot River. He was predeceased by his sister, Priscilla (Houston) Menke; his brother, John J. Houston; and by a nephew, Howard Menke. Joseph is survived a brother, Harry R. Houston, M.D., and wife, Bette, of Bremerton, Wash.; five nephews, David R. Houston, PhD., of Winslow, John M. Houston of Bucksport, Steven K. Houston of Vassalboro, Samuel R. Houston of Modesto, Calif., and James Houston of Bremerton, Wash.; and two nieces, Barbara Houston of Des Moines, Wash., and Susan Carlson of Bremerton, Wash. Funeral services will be held noon Thursday, March 20, in the chapel of the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta. Gifts in his memory may be made to Veazie Salmon Club, P.O. Box 121, Bangor, ME 04402-0121. A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor.