Ralph Dean Horton
June 23, 1935 ~ June 8, 2004
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Ralph Dean Horton, 68, passed away June 8, 2004, in Pueblo, Colorado. Survived by his wife of 42 years, Shirley Kathleen 'Kathy' Horton; son, R. Dean (Lisa) Horton; daughter, Ruthie M. Horton; mother-in-law, Myrtle Simms; brother, the Reverend L. Dale (Betty) Horton; sister, Trudy Deloris (Len) Capraro; brother-in-law, Bob (Gaylene) Simms, Jr.; sister-in-law, Ruth E. McLaughlin; and special aunt, Mary Birdie Dryden, 94, of Albany, Kentucky. Also very dear to his heart were his precious grandchildren, Jonathan Dean Horton, Nicole Renée Horton and Brandi Marie Horton. Also survived by nieces, Beth (Ken) Freed, Kathy Ann McLaughlin, Heidi McLaughlin, Dr. Cindy (Ken) Horton and Jan (Norm) Darch; nephews, Craig (Karen) Horton, Kenneth (Starla) Horton, Jr., Paul (Jill) Horton, Dr. J. Douglas (Ronette) McLaughlin and Kenneth (Amie) Conn; numerous cousins, great-nieces and nephews; the church family of Belmont Church of the Nazarene whose meals, calls and especially prayers were shared; and many friends scattered from Washington, Texas, Oklahoma, and California whose hearts are with us. Preceded in death by his parents, William Ralph and Gertrude Bell Horton; brothers, William Doyle Horton and the Reverend Kenneth Donald Horton; father-in-law, Bob Simms; brother-in-law, Dr. John D. McLaughlin; and dear friend, Glen L. Bond. Dean was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on June 23, 1935. Dean and Kathy were married December 22, 1961, at Belmont Church of the Nazarene where they continued to be members. He was an educator for Pueblo School District 60 for 34 years, teaching science at Keating and Pitts Middle Schools. Dean received a National Science Foundation year long grant to Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon to complete his Masters in oceanology and geology. He had a lifelong love of horses. At his request, there will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, June 11, 2004, at Belmont Church of the Nazarene, 1702 Bonforte Blvd., with the Reverend L. Dale Horton from Copperopolis, California officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made through the funeral home to Nazarene Alabaster Box Missionary Program. The memorials will help build chapels and parsonages in impoverished countries such as Uganda. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Dear Horton Family,
I’m really sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers everyday. God bless you.
Dawn and Tom Moate
To the Horton family, I am sorry to hear of your loss.Dean was a wonderful person with a big heart.May God comfort you through this very difficult time.Your family is in my prayers.
Ruthie, Dean, and Kathy I’m so sorry for your loss. In high school your Dad was like a second dad to me and always made me feel welcome in your home. If you need anything at all please give me a call (719)545-0057. I Love you all and you will be in my prayers. Kristine
Paul and Jeanine send their heartfelt sympathey to the Horton family, Shelda Beals also expresses her sympathey to the family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
My heart is heavy for your loss but I know that Dean is in a better place now and he is not having to hurt like he did when he was with us. We will definately miss his smile and words of encouragement. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you Kathy and all of your family. Please call me if I can help in any way by talking with you or just being a friend. My phone number is 489-3744. Take care of yourself as I know that you are not doing too good yourself so please take care of yourself. Love, Sharon McGuin
Dear Kathy,
Who you and Dean are makes a difference in my life! Kathy, I recently shared with you the positive impact you and Dean made on my life throughout the years! Without realizing it, during these last weeks of his life, Dean taught me more about the joy of living each day with a thankful heart and a faithful spirit than I had learned in my 62 years. Kathy, the love and strength you two shared in every aspect of your life together radiated hope to all of us who had not found our soulmate. The love of you two for each other and for your family brought much joy to those of us lucky enough to share special times with you. I love you guys and treasure our life-long friendship and memories! I regret I must be out-of-state this weekend and unable to be with you, your family, Ruthie’s family, Bobby’s family, the Horton family, & your precious mom, to celebrate Dean’s wonderful life! You all are in my heart, thoughts, & prayers! I can just see the glow on Dean’s face as he rejoices in the presence of his God, your daddy, Dr. John, my mom & dad, Aunt Selma, and all the others who greeted Dean in heaven! What a day of rejoicing it will be ~~ and a day is forever ~~ for eternity!! I know God is ever present in your life and your source of strength,~~but if I can be of any help to you in any way, PLEASE CALL ME! Love & Prayers Always, Terri