Franklin Larry Horton

Franklin Larry Horton, 71, died February 4, 2015 at Halsey Hall in Fort Dodge. He was born on November 26, 1943 at Cullman, AL the son of Neuman and Minnie (Parker) Horton. 

Frank proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1962 – 1970. During that time, he was a staff sergeant and F105 crew chief. Frank served 3 tours in Vietnam but his service took him all over the world. He was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita at the end of his enlistment. This is where he met his wife, Rose Rita Patterson. They were married on October 7, 1967 in Dodge City. After the military, Frank worked in the automotive industry as a mechanic and service manager. He went back to college and obtained a bachelor of science degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, OK. Once he retired, Frank enjoyed baking sweets and sharing these with friends and family. 

He was a lifetime member of Howard Gotschall Post #1714 V.F.W.. 

Franklin is survived by his wife, Rose “Rita” Horton of Dodge City; two sons, Paul Horton and wife Janet of Edmond, OK and Nick Horton and wife Adriana of Blanchard, OK; three daughters, Natalie Horton of Valley Center, Amy Harvey and husband Brian of Dodge City, and Allison Horton of Bloomington, MN; three brothers, Jerald Horton and wife Evelyn, Charles “Bill” Horton and wife Helen, Gary “Shorty” Horton and wife Barbara; three sisters, Helen Reeves, Linda Mendel and husband Manuel, and Brenda Gill; grandchildren, Andrew, Zach, Grace, Emily, Morgan, Blake, Logan, Sofia, Eli, and Nadia; and numerous nieces and nephews 

Memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. with SGM. Lawrence Hall presiding. Inurnment will follow at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in Ft. Dodge with military honors by Howard Gotschall Post #1714 V.F.W. and KSARNG Miltary Honors. Book signing will take place at the funeral home from 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 12, 2015 with the family present from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M.. Memorials are suggested to Franklin Horton Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.