John E. Horton

John Edward Horton, 82, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on May 10, 2024.

John was born October 23, 1941 on his family’s farm in Greenwood County, Kansas. He was the third youngest of 14 children. During his formative years, John grew up in Emporia, Kansas where he graduated high school. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he was stationed on the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise. It was while he was stationed near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that he attended a USO dance and met the love of his life, Audrey Brooks. John and Audrey were married on January 16, 1965 and from this marriage they were blessed with three children. John briefly worked in various job roles before beginning his long, successful career owning and operating his own pest control business. Even after his retirement, John continued to work with various organizations like Laborers for Christ and Heits Point Lutheran Ministries. He also held multiple leadership roles at King of Kings Lutheran Church and led Boy Scout Troop 447, where he actively supported his sons on their journey to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. John was the type of person who was willing to help anyone he’d meet. This included the numerous Exchange Students that John and Audrey hosted from around the world. John and Audrey enjoyed travelling in their motor home and spending their winter’s in the heat of South Texas. John also enjoyed water sports and taught many people how to water ski.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Horton and Rose McCollough; 13 siblings, and daughter-in-law, Kellie Horton. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Audrey Horton; children, Sharri (Andy) Goodman, Shane (Linda) Horton, Scott Horton, and Deborah (Kurtis) Landuyt; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 14th from 6pm -8pm. The funeral service will take place at King of Kings Lutheran on Wednesday, May 15th at 10am, followed by the burial at Terrace Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Heits Point Lutheran ministries (Heit's Point Lutheran Camp - Donations (heitspoint.com).