Please view the video below for words from the family and photos of Kevin's life.
Kevin J. Housby, 68, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away at his home on Monday, December 2nd, due to complications from cancer.
Kevin was born in Des Moines on April 26th, 1956, to Jack and Shirley Housby. He attended high school at Dowling Catholic and later West Des Moines Valley, graduating in 1974. He attended college for four years before beginning his racing career at the NASCAR level, where he competed for two seasons. In 1980, Kevin entered into the family business, starting in the used truck parts department at Housby before moving to truck sales, and then ownership with his brother, Kelly.
As an owner, Kevin led by example with his tireless work ethic and constant nationwide travel, while still cultivating a lively work environment for his employees with his outgoing, optimistic, and engaging personality. He was dedicated and driven in realizing the growth potential of the company, especially Housby Online Sales, where he spent the majority of his time over the past twenty years building the online auction and services business focused on the waste and construction industries. He always wanted the best for his customers and Housby employees, creating countless opportunities for both along the way.
Kevin was a visionary leader for Housby, constantly forward thinking with creative and unique ideas. His original and imaginative programs and processes transformed the way the company does business by constructing a foundation and legacy that will endure for years to come.
A gifted public speaker and presenter, his easy and natural delivery, while an inherent talent, was a product of his intense and diligent preparation. He viewed every opportunity to speak for the Housby company or on someone’s behalf as a true honor, and he prepared as such.
Kevin lived his life to the absolute fullest. His travels kept him perpetually on the go, both professionally and personally, and any potential idle day was filled with road trips or plane rides doing the things that he loved.
Far too numerous to list them all, some of his favorite things included fishing with family and friends in Canada, Wisconsin, and Northeast Iowa, the entire Iowa State Fair week from open until close, live music anywhere and everywhere, especially in small venues and theaters, and most of all racing. He was a constant supporter of racing at all levels, and he could most often be found at a racetrack anywhere in the United States, including Knoxville Nationals, the mountains of North Carolina, and especially the Indy 500. The entire month of May leading up to the race always served as his favorite time of year with family and friends.
Kevin was many things to many people – innovative, generous, competitive, funny – but most of all, he was a good person, and always true to himself.
In a world full of countless unique individuals, Kevin Housby was truly one of a kind.
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He is survived by his mother, Shirley Housby; longtime girlfriend, Leesha Henricksen; brother, Kelly Housby and his wife Patty; brother, Mike Housby and his fiancé Rhonda; nephews, Jake Housby and his fiancé Jen, Cody Housby and his wife Shannon, Max Housby and his wife Emily, and Mickey Housby.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jack Housby.
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Services
Private family services will be held at a later date. The Housby family is grateful and humbled knowing so many wish to celebrate Kevin’s life, so wherever you may be, please raise a glass in Kevin’s memory.
Memorial
Kevin was passionate about recognizing and appreciating the dedicated men and women in the service industry – waitstaff, bartenders, service workers, hotel housekeeping, nurses, and others. He always made it a point to overtip and often left handwritten notes thanking them for their hard work.
In lieu of flowers, and in Kevin’s memory, please consider leaving a generous tip – today and in the future – for anyone working hard to make a living through the services they provide.
Donations can also be made in Kevin’s honor to the Kevin Housby Memorial Fund, 4747 NE 14th, Des Moines, Iowa 50313, with specific charities to be designated at a later date.