Edwin M. Horton

HAMPTON - Edwin Madison Horton, known by many of his friends as "Bolley" and Cap'n Ed", passed away peacefully at Sentara Careplex on Nov. 19, 2009.
He was born on July 29, 1917, in Hampton (Fox Hill), Va., to Frank L. Horton and Bessie H. Horton.
He attended Hampton High School and afterward became a waterman with his father. In 1938, he went into the U.S. Navy where he served his country until 1946. He was in the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. It was during his assignment on Shore Patrol in New York City that he met Catherine "Kay" Kennery. They were married on Dec. 17, 1942. After his Honorable Discharge from the Navy in 1946, he, his wife and young son returned to live in Buckroe. In the mid-fifties he built the home in his beloved Fox Hill, where he spent the rest of his life.
Edwin worked for a short time in the Newport News Shipyard. He went on to become a proud waterman, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. His tried and true companion through all the many years on the water was his beloved "lady"- his boat, "The Gypsy Girl". Theirs was a matchless partnership. During the last year he worked on the water, his older grandson, Robbie, worked alongside him. It was an experience he values greatly. For many years after his retirement in 1986 as a waterman, he continued to make crab pots for other watermen. For 25 years, during the winter months, he worked for York Oil Company on a delivery truck. There he was highly respected because of his dedication and work ethic.
Being a lifelong member of Fox Hill Central United Methodist Church, he served in many capacities, among which were Sunday School teacher, Board member, and trustee. His God and his church were the most significant guidelines of his life.
He and his son, Bobby, shared an interest in Fox Hill Men's Fastpitch Softball. Edwin was an avid fan, and Bobby was President of the Association.
Edwin was a member of the American Legion.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, "Kay" Horton; son, Michael B. Horton; daughter, Kathleen S. Horton; and son, Robert E. "Bobby" Horton.
Edwin is survived by his grandsons, Robert "Robbie" E. Horton Jr. and wife, Joann, and Ryan P. Horton and wife, Tami; daughter-in-law, Patricia Horton; nieces, Beulah Wallace and Bessie Ligon; nephew, Roger Rowe; great-nephews, Hugh B. Horton, Raymond Wallace, and Tim Horton and wife, Bonnie; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Trevor Horton.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at Fox Hill Central United Methodist Church by the Rev. Wayne Moore with interment to follow in Clark Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to Fox Hill Central United Methodist Church, 501 Beach Rd, Hampton, VA 23664. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.