Jerry Horton

Jerry Kenneth Horton, son of the late Walter and Velma Horton, was born February 24, 1936, in Phoenix, Arizona, and departed this life at his home north of Cabool, Missouri, surrounded by his wife, Gale, and his daughter, Michell, on March 28, 2018. He was 82 years, 1 month, and 4 days of age.

Jerry grew up in Peoria and Glendale, Arizona, and graduated from Glendale High School. He served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. At age 18, he went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad as a Conductor-Brakeman until he retired with a disability in 1984.

He and his second wife, Gale, moved from Arizona to the Cabool area in 1994. His mother’s family was from the Lebanon, Carthage area. He had fond memories of traveling “Old Highway 66” to spend the summer on his grandpa’s farm.

Jerry’s hobbies were Ham Radio, wood working, and restoring automobiles, trucks, and farm equipment. His pride and joy were his restored ’67 Volkswagen and his Ford 9N tractor.

Even though he suffered through many years of health problems and constant pain, he never complained or asked “Why me?” He worked hard at everything he did and never gave up. He also played hard, which included activities like camping, fishing, and sand railing in Old Mexico. His wife credits their ability to get through the tough patches in life to his wonderful sense of humor.

Besides his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Shinn, of Mesa, Arizona, and his brother, Melvin Horton, of Houston, Missouri.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Gale Horton, of Cabool, Missouri, two daughters, JoAnna Olmos and her husband, Frank, of Mesa, Arizona, and Michell Jonas of Tempe, Arizona, one son, Jay Horton of Winslow, Arizona, his youngest brother, Noel Horton and his wife, Sally, of Waddell, Arizona, seven grandchildren, Frankie Jo Ceja and her husband, Joe, of Mesa, Arizona, Francisco Olmos and his wife, Stephanie, of Mesa, Arizona, Jacob Olmos of Mesa, Arizona, Justin Jonas of Glendale, Arizona, Desiree Jonas of Glendale, Arizona, Jason Heath of Iowa, and Jaydyn Horton of Winslow, Arizona, five great-grandchildren and one who was taken by the angels at birth, three step-great-grandchildren, along with other relatives and friends who will miss him very much.

Mr. Horton was cremated and will have a Military Service at the Springfield Veteran’s Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri, at a later date, which will be announced by his wife, Gale, for those who would like to attend.