Richard C. “Dick” Horton, 86, of Morgantown, Cheat Lake Community, passed peacefully on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, at the J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. Dick was born in Morgantown, a son to R.J. and Irene Cole Horton, on Dec. 19, 1934.
Following his high school graduation, Dick went to work at South High Motors in the Auto Body Repair shop. Dick would then enlist in the U.S. Army where he served from 1957-1959. Later, he would perfect his autobody craft at Lyle Horton Ford, where he worked for more than 28 years. His career would continue at the West Virginia University PRT, where he was responsible for the blue and gold painted PRT cars we see today. He would retire yet again with more than 15 years of dedicated service.
Retirement didn’t suit Dick. He quickly transitioned to working at the WVU Book Exchange, where he enjoyed working around the college students.
He kept even busier at home in his wood shop, where he would craft gifts for friends and family. He made everything, from wheelbarrows to wind chimes.
He was also a co-founder of Junior High School Football in Monongalia County and a coach in the Odd Fellow Baseball League. He had many other hobbies and interests, which would be impossible to list.
He leaves a wife of 65 years, his beloved Carol Sue Everly Horton; one son, Richard E. “Skip” Horton and wife GailAnn; granddaughter, Sara Gidley; great-granddaughters, Maliyah Kendricks and Kaiden and Kalianna Kerkulah; one sister, Helen Ann Horton Guseman; brothers-in-law, Chuck Everly and wife Thomasene, Jay Everly and wife Debbie and Jerry Everly and wife Karen; and sister-in-law, Jacqueline Everly. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Dallas Guseman and Dave Everly.
Family will receive friends at the Fred Jenkins Funeral Home, from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 7. Dick will lie in repose at the Calvary United Methodist Church, Fairchance Road, from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. on Friday with the Rev. Stanley Merrifield officiating. He will be laid to rest at the Fletcher Cemetery with military honors conducted by the VFW Post 9916, 548 and WVANG, Kingwood.
All guests will be asked to wear a face covering to attend visitation and services.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dick’s memory to the Calvary UMC, 1684 Fairchance Road Morgantown, WV 26508 or the Cheat Lake UM Church Cemetery Fund C/O Richard “Dick” Baker 733 Fairchance Road, Morgantown, WV 26508.
