Clarence Horton

Clarence R. Horton, age 89, of Painted Post, NY passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2016 in his home. Clarence was born on November 2, 1926 in Campbell to the late Fred and Mabel (Louey) Horton. At the request of his dying mother, he was raised by his father's cousin, the late Mora Horton and his wife Louise, who loved him as their own. Clarence was the youngest child in both families and had 16 siblings in total, all of whom predeceased him. He met the love of his life, Laura May Robbins, while dancing and they were married on December 31, 1947. Clarence and Laura spent 66 loving years together before she predeceased him on May 12, 2014.

He served his country in WWII and was discharged in 1945. After returning home he served as Justice of the Peace in the town of Wayne as well as running his own fruit orchard. He also worked at Taylor Wine for many years. In 1968, he followed his lifelong passion and became a dairy farmer.

A true outdoorsman, Clarence was an avid hunter and enjoyed ice fishing during the long New York winters. He had a green thumb, and kept bountiful vegetable and flower gardens for much of his life. Clarence loved old tractors and steam engines, enjoyed attending local fairs and the annual Empire Farm Days, and spent Sundays watching NASCAR. While he had many pets throughout his life, he had a special bond with a little dog named Peggy, who enjoyed sitting on his lap while he drove his tractor on the farm.

He is survived by four children: Marilyn (Patrick) Sheedy of Painted Post, NY, Cathy (Vincent) Santilli of Corning, NY, Ronnie Horton of Painted Post, NY, and James Horton of Painted Post, NY; six grandchildren: Gloria (Cory) Briglin of Fayetteville, NC, Mark (Rebecca) Dusablon of Prattsburg, NY, Laura Sheedy of North Augusta, SC, Matthew Horton of Painted Post, NY, Pamela (Charles) Drake of Bradford, NY, and Amy Horton of Boston, MA; three great-grandchildren: Orion Dusablon, Elena Drake, and Finley Dusablon; step great-grandsons: Dominic, Landon, and Dale; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

Along with his wife, he was predeceased by his grandson, Daniel Laursen, and daughter-in-law, Janet Horton.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside service at Chapel Knoll Cemetery, Victory Highway, Painted Post, NY on Thursday, October 20 at 11:00am with a meal to follow.

Kind words or fond memories of Clarence can be offered at www.PhillipsFuneralHome.com.