Robert Allen (“Bob”) Houck of Severna Park, MD, passed away on November 6, 2026, pre-deceased in October 2025 by his beloved wife of 62 years, Barbara Ann (Arnold) Houck. Known well locally for his decades owning and operating multiple McDonald’s franchise restaurants in Anne Arundel County and the wider Baltimore area, Bob will remain always in many memories for his quiet commitment to hard work and honest dealings, his empathetic dedication to aiding family and friends in times of need, his adoration and support of the farmland of his ancestors, and his intellectual wonder about our awesome skies above.

Bob started life on the Carroll County “Houck Farm” of his parents, Lester and Virginia, who modeled resilience, kindness and integrity to Bob and his adored siblings, Gene, Errol and Janet, creating strong family bonds that Bob cherished for life. In addition to sharing rigorous farm work, all sang in the choir and were active members of Wesley United Methodist Church in Hampstead, MD, built in part by Bob’s grandfather Jacob. Bob was a leader in his Westminster High School class of 1958, playing center on the football team and making friendships with fellow WHS “Owls” in a parliament that still gathers after decades. He then followed brother Gene to Princeton University, much enjoying lifelong friendships, performing with the Tigertones a cappella group, and membership at “Cottage” social club.

After college, Bob returned home to Westminster, where he met and married Barbara. The newlyweds packed their worldly belongings in a small U-Haul and set off for Biloxi, MS, where Bob served four years in the Air Force, eventually completing his service as a Captain. Bob then joined Reynolds Metals, the aluminum company based in Richmond, spending 15 years rising through the sales ranks, but sometimes thinking of his interest in owning his own business.

Opportunity knocked when a good friend educated Bob about the McDonald's franchising system. Bob committed to a formidable undertaking, involving three years of lengthy weekend training, all while supporting his family. Bob was offered his first restaurant, McDonald’s of Riviera Beach, in 1982. Barbara was his first employee, and at various times their children joined in; the family fondly remembers those early years of total dedication and commitment to customer service. “Mr. Bob” was the captain of the ship, eventually going on to acquire and operate numerous McDonald's restaurants in the Baltimore area. His employees were members of a large family, treated fairly and recognized for their hard work. Support of charitable community groups was part of their local spirit. Everyone was proud to join Mr. Bob in supporting the Baltimore Ronald McDonald House, where Bob served 25 years on the board, retiring with warm-hearted recognition.

Bob and Barbara fulfilled many personal dreams. They were able to help their children and grandchildren attend excellent schools. In 1994, they found the home of their dreams in the Linstead neighborhood on the Severn River, which they shared often with employees, friends and neighbors. They had great pleasure with family trips around the world, with a special love for annual February trips to the island of St. Maarten. And perhaps most importantly to Bob, throughout his life he visited and supported the Westminster farm of his childhood, working with tremendous gusto on a myriad of farm maintenance issues, all with the goal of protecting critical farmland, while ensuring a beautiful setting for family gatherings.

Bob is survived by daughter Victoria Elaine Ziegler (Roger), son Robert Allen Houck, Jr. (Ruth), son Bradford Lester Houck (Janice), grandchildren Caroline, Daniel, Maggie, Brady, Thomas and Matt (Michelle), great-granddaughter Maia, brother Raymond Errol Houck, and sister Janet Elaine (Houck) Martin. In addition to his wife Barbara, Bob was predeceased by father Lester Adelbert Houck, mother Ellen Virginia Houck, and brother Lester Eugene Houck.

A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A., 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, followed by a local repast. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Ronald McDonald House Maryland.