Otis Horton

Dr. Otis Howard Horton, of Greenwood, AR, formerly of Commerce, TX passed away, Thursday, April 16, 2009, in Dallas, TX.

He was born November 28, 1917, in Des Moines, N.M. to George Justus and Ivy Mae Young Horton.

Dr. Horton was a retired Professor from Texas A&M-Commerce, where he taught Dairy Science for 20 years. He taught 18 years at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR.

He received his undergraduate degree from New Mexico State in Las Cruces, N.M. While attending New Mexico State, he joined the ROTC and graduated in time to serve in the U.S. Army in WW II. He was on active duty in the pacific for 4 years and recalled to active duty for 3 more years during the Korean War. He continued in the Army Reserves and attained the Rank of Colonel before retiring.

He continued his education for a master's degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia and his PHD from University of Illinois in Champagne, IL.

He is survived by his wife June of the home, 2 daughters, Lena Thomas and husband John of Greenwood, AR, Reba Collinsworth and husband Gene of Commerce; 3 step-children, Donna Rogers and husband, David of Sarasota, FL, Carol Whitson and husband Donnie, and Eddie Hawkins and wife Andrea all of Greenwood, AR.; 3 grandchildren, Zack Thomas and wife Ariane, and Jack Thomas of Greenwood, AR, and Amy Collinsworht of Commerce; 6 step grandchildren, Josh Whitson and wife Megan of Ft. Smith, AR; Sarah Brownfield and husband Brodie of Greenwood, AR, Hannah Rogers of Tampa, FL, Sam Rogers of Sarasota, FL, Michael Hawkins, Fayetteville, AR and Erin Hawkins of Washington, D.C.; 1 great granddaughter, Serenity and 1 step great grandson, Hayes. He is also survived by one sister, Le Myrle Curico, of Lake Elsinore, CA; one brother, George Justus Horton Jr. of Albuquerque, NM. He is also survived by many greatly loved members of the Cavener family and a host of nieces, nephews and former students; and his two wonderful church families, First Baptist Church of Commerce, TX the First Baptist Church of Greenwood, AR

Dr. Horton was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years the former, Naomi Cavener. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Irma June Straub.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 20, 2009, at the First Baptist Church in Commerce, at 11:00 A.M., with Bro. Johnnie Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Rosemound Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 19, 2009 from 2:00-3:00 P..M. at the funeral home.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 25, 2009, at Greenwood First Baptist Church in Greenwood, AR. at 6:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Commerce or the First Baptist Church of Greenwood, AR.