Scott Anthony Horton
Born: October 8, 1959
Died: January 14, 2025
With great sadness but full hearts, we say goodbye to Scott Anthony Horton, 65, of St. Charles, Illinois, who left us too soon on January 14th, 2025. As in life, he passed away surrounded by his high school sweetheart, and loving wife of 40 years and his three beautiful daughters, who were the heart of his world. Born in Paxton, Illinois, on October 8, 1959, Scott was an entrepreneur, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend who lived life to the fullest. His love for family, his sense of humor, and his boundless generosity will be cherished forever.
Scott was an operating engineer by trade and was co-founder of Campton Excavating and founder of Horton Farms Shorthorns. Raising Shorthorn cattle and attending cattle shows with his family were among the greatest joys of his life. This passion led to countless family memories, the creation of lifelong friendships, and even served as a catalyst for matchmaking and the creation of new families, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. Whether working on the farm or traveling for shows, Scott's commitment to his family and his cattle were unwavering.
Beyond the farm, Scott was the mastermind behind all the family fun, from being the go-to-guy for all the family toys, to keeping the pond stocked with fish so his grandkids could reel in the perfect catch. He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for boating, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting and ATVing; always finding joy in the adventures nature had to offer.
Above all, Scott's greatest joy came from his family. Scott was a devoted husband to his wife Michele; a proud father to three daughters, Stephanie (Matt) Rush, Katie (Chris) Cassady, and Leah (Chase) Aylesworth; a fun-loving grandfather to his seven grandchildren, Chloe and Colton Rush; Beau, Lincoln, and Tatum Cassady; and Anna and Sawyer Aylesworth; a guiding brother to Doug (Wendy) Horton, Jan (Jennie) VanDerHeyden, and Debbie (Ralph) Williams; an amazing son and brother-in-law to Bill and Ann Shely, Bill (Marta) Shely and Jill (Dan) Fleming. He had the joy of being Uncle Scott to his many treasured nieces and nephews. He was welcomed into heaven by his loving parents, Edith and Ray Horton.
Scott's generosity knew no bounds. Whether it was buying his 4-year-old grandson a pocket knife, or turning his farm into a wedding venue for his daughters, Scott rarely said "no." His infectious sense of humor and love of pranks kept everyone on their toes. From random dynamite explosions to a surprise scare in an empty room, Scott brought laughter and excitement wherever he went.
You are probably all wondering how Scott died since to most people he appeared so upbeat and healthy. In 2018, Scott was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow, impairing its ability to produce healthy blood cells. Though there is no cure, he faced every challenge with strength and courage undergoing numerous continuous treatments while embracing life to the fullest. Scott beat many odds with his aggressive diagnosis, but the truth of the matter is, for him to have lived 6.5 years after diagnosis, was amazing, and most importantly allowed him to meet and spend time with his 7 grandchildren who lovingly called him Scott or Socky.
A celebration of Scott's life, emphasis on the celebration, will be held on January 24, 2025, at Fisherman's Inn in Elburn, IL. The visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, with heartfelt stories from the family at 6:00 PM, followed by a party filled with laughter, music, and hors d'oeuvres – just as Scott would have wanted.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at
give.themmrf.org/scotthorton or the Illinois Junior Shorthorn Association, with checks mailed to 37311 E 1400N Rd Saybrook, IL 61770. Both of these organizations were dear to Scott's heart.
Scott's spirit, kindness, and infectious energy will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May his memory continue to inspire laughter, generosity, and adventure.

Published by Kane County Chronicle on Jan. 23, 2025.