James Ralph Horton

James Ralph Horton, age 92, of Canadian, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory.

James Ralph Horton was born on August 15, 1933, in Crowder to Talmadge Ralph "Wolfe" Horton and Eva Mary Inez (Standridge) Horton. He was a proud graduate of Crowder High School and went on to earn his degree from Oklahoma State University.

Ralph was united in marriage to Dolly Marcella Randolph in Texas, and together they shared many years of life and family until her passing in 2016.

Throughout his working life, Ralph demonstrated a strong work ethic and a willingness to take on new challenges. He spent many years in commercial construction with H.B. Zachary Construction and Civil Engineering Company, traveling across several states and contributing to major civil projects, including Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport and the Muskogee Power Plant. Along the way, he also worked as a farrier, skillfully combining blacksmithing with the art of shoeing horses.

Ralph later served for over twenty years as Maintenance Supervisor at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, retiring in 1996.

In his younger years, Ralph enjoyed coon hunting and later found great pleasure in fishing, as well as cattle and horse ranching-activities that reflected his love of the outdoors and rural life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Dolly Horton, on December 4, 2016; his son, Jack Allen; his grandson, Charles Jacob Allen; his brothers, Robert Dean Horton, Allen Ray Horton, Jimmy Dale Horton and Johnny Horton; and his sister, Patricia Davis.

Ralph is survived by his children: Dianna Woods and husband Clarence; James Roy Horton and wife June; Cletis Joann Ralls and husband Jim; Carolyn Dean Tucker and husband Kenny; Richard Leroy Allen and wife Tammy; Charles Woodrow Allen and wife Vanessa; and Dolly Jean Horton-Woods. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and many friends who will cherish his memory.