Jerrell Jerome "Jerry" Horton

In Loving Memory of
Jerrell Jerome “Jerry” Horton
December 23, 1940 – August 7, 2026

It is with profound sadness and immeasurable love that we announce the passing of Jerrell Jerome “Jerry” Horton, 85, of Pueblo, Colorado, who passed away peacefully at his home on August 7, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jerry lived a life full of adventure, laughter, hard work, friendship, and—above all—family. To know Jerry was to know someone who never seemed to run out of energy or stories. He never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, and wherever Jerry went, there was usually laughter close behind.

Jerry was born on December 23, 1940, in Fort Morgan, Colorado, to Chester “Chet” and Dorothy (Rice) Horton. He grew up in Goodland, Kansas, and spent part of his childhood with his beloved Aunt Pansy “Pat” and Uncle “Ted” Downtain in Great Bend, Kansas. Some of his fondest memories came from time spent working on the farm with his cousins and working alongside his dad at Horton’s Body Shop in Goodland. Those early experiences helped shape the hardworking, capable, and independent man he would become.

Jerry graduated from Sherman County High School in 1958 where he was a 4 time state qualifier in wrestling. He attended Colorado College before earning his bachelor’s degree in biology from Fort Hays State University.

His professional life was dedicated to healthcare. Jerry began his career as a laboratory technician in Hays before moving into hospital administration, where he spent more than 35 years serving others. He was a natural leader who brought knowledge,
determination, and a willingness to help wherever he was needed. He also gave his time to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs, continuing his commitment to community and service.

On December 7, 1985, Jerry married Marilyn Kay Miller, beginning a partnership filled with love, family, and countless adventures. Together, they built a life that reflected Jerry’s greatest joys.

And Jerry truly loved an adventure.

He loved music and dancing, riding motorcycles, boating, snow skiing, four-wheeling, camping, and traveling. He was happiest when he was doing something, going somewhere, discovering something new, or sharing an experience with the
people he loved. His enthusiasm for life was contagious. He had a perpetual curiosity and an endless supply of knowledge, which he was always willing to share—whether you asked for it or not.

Jerry was also a man who believed in helping others. He was generous with his time, his advice, his experience, and his friendship. He had a natural ability to lead, but he never stopped being willing to lend a hand. He taught through his actions as much as through his words.

Most of all, Jerry loved his family.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his children, Jerry Lee and wife Tammie Horton of Manhattan, Kansas; Tina and husband Bob Vincent of Lakin, Kansas; Shawn and wife Dana Horton of Palco, Kansas; Christopher and wife Amber Ray of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Maranda Ray and husband Kayle DeVaughan of Pueblo, Colorado; as well as 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Chet and Dorothy, and his Aunt Pat and
Uncle Ted.

His family will remember him not only for the life he lived, but for the way he made them feel—loved, protected, encouraged, and always ready for the next adventure. They will remember his stories, his laughter, his energy, his advice, and his ability to turn an ordinary day into something worth remembering.

There will never be another Jerry.

His life was measured not simply in years, but in people he loved, places he explored, lessons he shared, laughter he created, and memories he left behind.

He was our hero. And although we wish we could have kept him with us forever, the love he gave us will never leave us.

A Celebration of Jerry’s Life
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Mountain Time at:

First United Methodist Church
310 West 11th Street
Pueblo, Colorado

A reception with refreshments will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors where they will be donated in his name to the local Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to Compassus Hospice who cared for Jerry with extraordinary kindness during his final weeks.

Rest easy, Jerry. Your next adventure awaits. You will be loved, missed, and
remembered always.

Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com