Larry Horton, 1944-2020

Larry Horton, 75, of Denton gained his heavenly wings on Jan. 11, 2020, surrounded by his three favorite ladies. 

He was born to parents Herman and Thelma Horton on March 25, 1944, in Quitman. Larry graduated from Quitman High School in 1962 and moved to Dallas. His airline mechanic career began with Braniff Airways in Dallas, continued at Piedmont Airlines in North Carolina, and ended with a 35-year tenure at Southwest Airlines. He often said he saved the best for last. Larry was presented with The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award in May 2014. The award, presented by the United State Federal Aviation Administration, is in honor of Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight. The award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior aviation mechanics who have given 50 years of service. 

He married Jackie Matthews, the love of his life, in 1967, who survives him. Larry is also survived by daughter, Jamie Moore and husband Keenan; daughter, Erin Benson and husband Jeremy; and grandchildren, Cooper “Larry”, Chandler, Dylan, Thatcher and Korby; along with a host of extended family and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

Larry was known for his love of aviation. He was an aircraft mechanic by trade, but flying was his absolute passion. He loved anything and everything that had to do with airplanes. He also loved cars. Chevys were his make of choice. He referred to them as bow ties. He was so faithful to his Chevys that when his younger daughter purchased a Ford, he told her that she was going to need to find a new mechanic. The Chevy slogan refers to the brand as the “Rock,” which brings us to his place in his family. He was devoted to family like no other. He loved the Lord first and family next. Larry believed that Jesus Christ was the son of God who died on the cross to cleanse and save him from his sins. While our hearts are broken, we are comforted knowing we will see him again one day. His legacy is etched on our hearts and will last a lifetime. 

Services were held at Lowes Funeral Home, Quitman, on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 with visitation from 11 a.m.-12:30p.m. Graveside service and burial was at 1 p.m. at Myrtle Springs Cemetery, Myrtle Springs Baptist Church, with Rev. Fred Morrow officiating.

Memorial service and celebration of life will be held Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Denton Bible Church Chapel.