L.A.’s Polytechnic High School

Celebration of Life: Ivan James Houston 1925 – 2020

Ivan J. Houston was born in Los Angeles, California, June 15, 1925, the second son to Norman O. Houston and Doris Young Houston. After graduating from L.A.’s Polytechnic High School in 1942 Ivan entered the University of California at Berkeley. The country was also engaged in World War II, and in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the legendary African American 92nd Infantry Division, also known as the famed Buffalo Soldiers. Returning from the war in 1945, he married Philippa, and reentered U.C. Berkeley, then received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1948. He also received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of La Verne.