Darrell Edward Horton

1946 - 2021

Darrell Edward Horton, a retired Mechanical Engineer from Dupont-Dow Elastomers, passed away peacefully at North Oaks Medical Center on Thursday, September 2, 2021. He was 74. Born in New Orleans on October 5, 1946, he attended De LaSalle high school and was a graduate of Christian Brothers College in Memphis Tennessee with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He served in the United States Army as First Lieutenant, Nuclear Weapons Officer in the 524th Ord Co USARAL-Alaska, where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and was honorably discharged. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis Myron Horton and Rita Pizzolato Horton. He is survived by his wife of 54 yrs, Valerie Oustalet Horton, and two sisters, Nancy Horton Luthringshausen and Karen Horton Defee. His four children and their spouses, Lisa Horton Flattmann and Geoff Flattmann, Darrell Edward Horton II and Jamie Horton, Brett Douglas Horton, and Jennifer Horton Mashburn and Mark Mashburn are lucky, thankful and humbled to have called him Dad. Eight grandchildren proudly carry on his legacy and will forever remember his lessons and love – Zoe Flattmann McDaniel, Zachary Taylor Flattmann, Zia Tate Flattmann, Zeke Tyger Flattmann, Marcus Luke Mashburn, Nolan Edward Mashburn, Beck William Horton and Georgia Grace Horton. Nine Oustalet, Hirschfeld, Luthringshausen and Defee brothers and sisters-in-law, eleven nieces and nephews, and twelve grand nieces and nephews will also never forget him. Mr. Horton was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond, Louisiana, a former Boy Scout Troop 170 leader, and was known to a loyal group of neighbors, friends, and at least three squirrels as "Mr. Bellewood." To honor his wishes, in lieu of a wake and funeral, a celebration of life will be planned. Our words are no match for his: "Do not morn or pity me for I have lived a long, full, wonderful life surrounded by people I love and adore, having fun and getting things done through thick and thin! I plan to be with all of you in spirit, helping if or when I can."