Joe Clyde Horton

Joe Clyde Horton

Joe Clyde Horton, 93, of Kilgore, completed his earthly journey on December 9, 2021, in Longview. A memorial visitation will be held from 5:30 until 7:30 in the evening on Friday, December 17, 2021, in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore.

Joe was born on November 23, 1928, in the Danville community to Kyle and Mary (Nee) Horton. He graduated early from Kilgore High School before faithfully and honorably serving his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. Joe met his soulmate, Eldie, in Thermopolis, Wyoming while working in the oilfields.

He graduated from Kilgore College before continuing his studies at Stephen F. Austin State University where he received Master’s Degrees in Agriculture and Mathematics. Joe taught Special Education in the Danville Schools and then at Kilgore High School until his retirement.
He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Kilgore, Texas.

Joe liked to live “off the grid,” where he enjoyed hunting and fishing, often being gone for several months at a time. He loved to travel, especially to Alaska, where he was a camp host on the Salcha River. Joe also loved raising hounds, including bloodhounds, basset hounds, and beagles.

Joe was very musically talented and especially enjoyed bluegrass music. He was very skilled at playing stringed instruments, such as the guitar, banjo, dobro, and mandolin. His love of music has been passed down to his family. Joe will be remembered for being the epitome of fairness, generosity, and helpfulness. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he has touched.

Joe was reunited with his parents, wife Eldie Deal Horton, son Richard Horton and brother Robert Winfield Horton. Left to cherish his memory are his children Toby (Sarah) Horton of Kilgore and Amy Horton (Robert) Barrentine of Grapevine, Arkansas, his special Alaskan kids, Mark and Elena Plummer; grandchildren Tiffany (Greg) Syvmarek, Matthew (Rachel) Horton; Leigh Ann Horton, Joe Horton, Dillon (Brianna) Horton, Logan (Danny) Bolanos, Courtni Williams, Christian (Kenzi) Goff, and Savannah Barrentine; great-grandchildren Harlyn Syvmarek, Brannigan Symarek, Jagger Schamber, Marlowe Schamber, Andrea Bolanos, Olivia Bolanos, Gwyneth Williams, Kaysen Goff, Lidia Goff, and his special European grandkids, Roman, Renata, Charlotte, and Zane. Joe is survived by his sister Faye Ann Leach of Liberty City, and brother-in-law T.D. Deal (Margaret) of DeQuincy, Louisiana. Also left to carry on his legacy are numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and other loving family members.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers please send donations to the Talsi Christian School in Talsi, Latvia.


Online condolences may be left at www.raderfuneralhome.com