Howard Raye Horton

Howard Raye Horton left his earthly home and entered the gates of his Heavenly home on May 5, 2025 in Sherman, Texas at the age of 78. He was born in Dallas, Texas on July 30, 1946 to Howard S. Horton and Bonnye (Rains) Horton. He married the love of his life, Dianne (Bryan) Horton on July 24, 1976.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard S. Horton and Bonnye Horton, twin sister, Nancy (Horton) Clamon.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne Horton of Sherman; his son Joel Horton; children, Christian and Calleigh Horton of Denison, his son, Justin Horton and wife Elizabeth of Graham, Texas, children, Gracie Horton of Greenville, Texas and Braylon Horton of Sherman; his daughter, Hayley (Horton) Novosad and husband Justin Novosad of Sherman and their daughter, Brooklyn Hodge; sister, Pam Ramsey of Grapevine, Texas; with several nieces and nephews, brother and sister in-laws.

Howard and Dianne met in 1976 after they both attended the same young adult's volleyball tournament where Dad described it as "her blue eyes walked in before she did." He recalls the first time he saw her and told his friend "I'm going to marry that girl." His friend replied, "yeah right, that's Bill Bryan's daughter."

Well, Howard was a bit persistent, so a few weeks later, on a Wednesday night, he called Dianne and confidently asked "this is Howard Horton with the Church of Christ Church patrol – did you go to church tonight?" To which my mom confusingly replied, "Excuse me?" Howard then proceeded to ask if this was girl with the blue and white striped shirt from the volleyball game, she replied yes, it is. Dad proceeded to tell her to put a pot of coffee on and he'll be by. Now, he had no idea where she lived, he called back embarrassingly enough, asking her where she lived. That's where their story began.

Nine weeks later, on July 24, 1976 Mom and Dad were married in her parents home in Dallas. This past July they celebrated their 48 th wedding anniversary.

Howard committed his life to preaching God's Word with passion, love and grace. With that same commitment, he dedicated his life to his wife and children. Leading with a firm belief of faith, loyalty and honor. Howard was always willing to help those in need and lend a listening ear when warranted.

Howard's life story is one of many ventures from broadcasting and radio to uncover narcotics in Waco and being a Sherman reserve officer. He wore many hats and met people throughout all walks of life until one day he was called to preaching. He attended Preston Road School of Preaching where he graduated and started his ministry. His work took him and his family all over the US including, Stamps, Arkansas; Dresden, Tennessee; Cookville, North Carolina; Denton, Texas; Denison, Texas; Prescott, Arkansas; and finally Bells, Texas where he preached for almost 20 years.
Daddy believed in his ministry and sacrificed selflessly for others. He lived his life for Christ and strived everyday to be Christ-like and was always there to bring people to Him; always with love and grace. Over his career, his teaching and guidance have had an impact on so many.

As we remember the life he fervently lived, we have Hope that we will be reunited with him once again.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff of Interim Home Health, Remarkable Hospice and Cedar Hollow for their gentle and compassionate care.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Mullican Little Funeral Home 754 State Hwy 56 E. Bells, Texas 75414. Graveside Services will be Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery Bells, Texas.