of Clarksville, TX
May 30, 2023
Richard Leon Horton, age 79, of Royse City, Texas passed from his earthly life May 30th, 2023. He was born in Marshall, Arkansas on September 20th, 1943 to Roy S and Alice Williams Horton, as the youngest of six children. He married the love of his life, Violet McEntire, on November 3rd, 1960 after they met at a high school basketball game.
They lived in Marshall, Arkansas where he managed the family business, Roy Horton Chevrolet, alongside his sister, Kathleen Sanders, until 1985. He then moved to Texas to join another family business, D.R. Horton Homes and worked there until he retired on September 30th, 1997. After retirement, he served on the board of directors of D.R. Horton for several years. He shared a passion of thoroughbred horse racing with his brother, Willis Horton and two nephews, Terry and Cam Horton. Not one to remain idle, Leon and Violet bought a cattle ranch in Mt. Vernon, Texas and moved in 2001. He then found the perfect spot to expand his cattle ranch in Clarksville, Texas, which he affectionately named 4 Stars Ranch after his four children. He loved working with "his girls" (his cows) and raising a beautiful, large garden yearly. Any produce they did not can, freeze or preserve was shared with their family and church friends. Of all his endeavors, his most prized roles were husband, dad and papaw. He loved his grandchildren and spent hours teaching them to hunt and fish. He enjoyed sharing stories with them about his time spent at Pro Bass Fishing tournaments. While residing in Clarksville, he was a faithful member of the Clarksville First Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and a member of several committees.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Alice Horton; brothers, T.J., Eugene, Eutaw and Willis Horton; sister, Kathleen Sanders; brother-in-law, Lloyd McEntire and grandson, Benjamin Passmore.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Violet Horton; son, Rick (Traci) Horton of Nevada, Texas; daughters, Valorie (Wendel) Passmore of Marshall, Arkansas, Shawn (Pat) Carter of Royse City, Texas and Cynthia (Scott) Wilburn of Austin, Texas; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren (number 15 due in November); sisters-in-laws, Wilma Horton of Morrilton, Arkansas, Glenda Horton of Marshall, Arkansas and Maybelle (Kenny) Morris of North Little Rock, Arkansas; special niece and favorite travel buddy, Sandy Horton of Braselton, Georgia; along with numerous nephews and nieces. The family would like to extend a special thanks to his angel caregiver, Vangie McCormick.
Following funeral services in Texas on Friday, Leon will be brought home to Arkansas. Funeral services for Leon will be 11:00 AM Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with his lifelong friend and classmate, Rev. Don Campbell officiating. Terry Horton will serve as eulogist. Visitation will be 10:00 till 11:00 preceding the service. Burial will be in Marshall Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be his six grandsons, Alan Watts, Austin Passmore, Kyle Horton, John Scott Wilburn, Joshua Wilburn, Jacob Wilburn and great grandson, Bryce Cooper.
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21 Condolence(s)
Ewanda Shipman Young
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Violet, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Laura England
Monday, June 5, 2023
Dear Horton family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Have many good memories of Mr. Leon at First Baptist in Marshall.
God Bless!
Most sincerely,
Laura England
Vernelle Crandall
Pedro Velazquez
Monday, June 5, 2023
So sorry to hear this news. I started my career with Leon building houses. I will always be grateful to him and the opportunity he gave me. Rest peace my dear friend.
Laura Treat
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Growing up in the First Baptist Church in Marshall, we were all like family. Leon and Violet would always greet you a smile and a hug. All of us kids were the same age and have watched each other grow into adults and have children and grandchildren of our own. Many prayers for each of you in the upcoming days. Your Marshall family holds each of you dear to our hearts..
Susan Baker Webb
Saturday, June 3, 2023
I was so sorry to hear of Leons passing. He was loved by all. He was always so full of life and loved being outdoors and doing things with his family. He will be greatly missed. I will keep the family in my prayers.
Burt and Jackie Glenn
Friday, June 2, 2023
We are sorry to hear about Leon's passing. So many good memories of the times we shared with Leon, Violet and family. God's Blessings to all of you.
Sharyon Scarlett Kiddy
Friday, June 2, 2023
Prayers for the family. Leon was a kind and thoughtful friend to so many of us.
Sharyon Scarlett Kiddy
Friday, June 2, 2023
Prayers for the family. Leon was a kind and thoughtful friend to so many of us.
Ron And Sharon Roach
Friday, June 2, 2023
So Sorry Leon Will Be Missed Prayers For All Family And Friends
Mark and Mary Woods
Friday, June 2, 2023
Sorry for your loss
Tim & Cindy Massey
Thursday, June 1, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort for you all.
Albert & Anna (Rainbolt) Maze
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Prayers for your families at this difficult time.
Rhonda and Larry Rowlett
Thursday, June 1, 2023
My heart is sad. Daddy Leon was a good christian man. Always greeting us with a smile and a hug at church. We are all better people because we knew him.
Praying for you all at this hard time.
Love you
Rhonda
Eddie and Pam Cannada
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Hugs and prayers
Wesley & Loretta Smith
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Violet and kids, we are very sorry to hear this. We have all been friends for many years. Leon was always a good person and he married a good person
L. D. Williamson
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Leon was a good man and a great friend. We will miss him.
James and Jeri White
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Our deepest sympathy
Carol Horton
Thursday, June 1, 2023
To the family, may the warm and happy memories bring you comfort in this time. I only knew Leon for a brief time in his long life but he certainly left an impression on me. I remember the first time I met Leon and Willie. Their reputation certainly preceded them but they both were very gracious to me. I will always remember that.
I am deeply sorry for your loss and know that the kids and I are thinking of you during this time. Love Carol
Carla Kelley
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Violet & family So sorry for your loss. Leon was always laughing & smiling. Remember well when Daddy had his station right beside Horton Chevrolet Leon was come over for a candy bar. He was a good man. Many prayers for the days ahead…â¤ï¸
Paula Halsted Adams
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
To the family,
My prayers are with you all as you lay your husband and dad to rest. Many memories were made with this family. I will always hold them close.
Paul Ray and Mary Lois Halsted
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Our heartfelt sympathy to all the family for the loss of Leon a lifelong friend. We enjoyed visiting with him a couple times last couple year. Prayers for everyone for comfort and peace.