Howard Horton Sr.

As the script of a new family book begins, the pages are empty until the cycle of life begins. Within those pages holds the joy's and pains of our life's experiences and so we are gathered here today to celebrate the life of the MAN Howard Bradly Horton, Sr.

On November 30, 1940, God presented Howard "Snooky" Bradly Horton, Sr. unto his parents, father Gail William Ben Horton, Jr. and mother Agnes Marie Marshall. Snooky was the 5th child born of 9 total children, the firstborn child was Buddy Horton, followed by Richard Horton, Dorothy Grant, Juanita Smith, Joyce Wilson, Sharon Lyles, Patricia Beard, and the youngest of the children Russell Horton, Sr.

As a child, Snooky and his siblings were raised in the open spaces of colorful Colorado with a deep love of nature and outdoor experiences. They were given a good foundation of freedom to run and enjoy the landscapes of Gods marvelous creation. As children Snooky and his sibling were blessed to live by a river and be raised around an abundance of animals like goats, sheeps, chickens, and a goose names Cecil who loved the children's father Gail. Snooky's memories of Cecil however were not as pleasant, he would call him a pesty little creature who would always spread his large wings and chase him around the yard pecking at him as he tried to run as fast as his little feet would carry him. Snooky had many stories such as this one about Cecil the persistent goose. Secretly, he held out hope that one day he and Cecil would meet again at the dinner table.

Snooky received his education in Denver Public Schools. Back in those times people of color faced many challenges and for a young man of color Snooky faced many obstacles while trying to obtain his diploma. But through it all he persevered and graduated from West High School.

On July 27, 1968, Snooky married the love of his life Christine Clark (Trina) and into their home were seven children Stacy, Big Robert, Craig, Little Robert, Russell, Howard, Jr., and his precious daughter Debbie. He was a special man of love, generosity, and through many hours of patience and trials he raised his children into adulthood with a big heart of kindness. Snooky was also the proud grandfather of two handsome grandsons Craig Caston, Jr., and Cullen Caston and one beautiful granddaughter named Cullena Caston all whom he loved dearly.

Snooky was a wonderful man with a humorous spirit who brought joy to all who knew him. Of course, in his youthful life he was a little wild and mischievous. But in adulthood he was a good dedicated father and husband that loved his family. He paid close attention to his one and only daughter Debbie whom he protected and sheltered. He always prayed for his children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

In 1975, he accepted the Lord in his life and became a member of the Park Hill Seven Day Adventist Church. As a new member, the congregation loved and nurtured him and he later became a head deacon for 5 years, also taking on the responsibility of the church vehicles, helping with snow removal, and the many other duties Deacons have to serve. Since becoming a member of the Park Hill SDA church many members of his own family have become members and taken on different responsibilities within the church community. Eventually he became a Master Guide for the Pathfinders Club, a group of 40-60 kids much like the boy scouts who worked on different activities earning honor patches to put on their uniforms.

On many occasions, all the children were loaded into buses and taken on camping trips to the majestic mountains of Colorado and several other beautiful states. As a counselor he taught them character building skills that were embedded in their hearts. To this day many of those children now have children and grandchildren of their own that have been taught those same useful skills.

His lifetime employment was with the City and County of Denver where he worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for 40 years. Since retiring in 2007, he has lived a great life here in Colorado.

Snooky loved to work on cars, trucks, and trail bikes. He loved to ride motorcycles and as you know he owned many vehicles even to this day. Snooky had a huge zest for life and with his witty sense of humor he has left us all
with beautiful memories of the man's man Howard B. Horton, Sr. was.

Snooky was a dedicated man of God, he was a strong member of his church families at both Park Hill SDA and Boston St SDA Church of Aurora, a loving brother to his siblings, a dedicated and loving father to his children, and a devoted husband to his wife for over 50+ wonderful years of marriage. He was a blessing to many people and even though he sowed his oats in his younger years, God shared him with us for 78+ years. Snooky was many things to many people and his love and spirit will live with us forever.

Snooky is survived by his wife, Christine Horton; sons Russell, Howard, Jr., and little Robert; daughter, Debbie; grandchildren, Craig Caston, Jr., Cullen Caston, and Cullena Caston; sisters, Dorothy Grant (Gerald), Joyce Wilson, Sharon Lyle (Terry); brother, Russell Horton, Sr., (Jennie); and a host of other relatives, and many friends. Snooky is preceded in death by his father and mother, Gail and Agnes Horton; sons, Craig and Big Robert; brothers, Buddy Horton (Cora), Richard Horton (Marynell); and sisters, Juanita Smith (Cero) and Patricia Beard (Rico).

Visitation : March 21, 2019 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Celebration of Life : March 22, 2019 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Park Hill Seventh Day Adventist
3385 Albion Street
Denver, CO 80207

Interment : March 22, 2019 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Hampden Memorial Gardens
8600 East Hampden Avenue
Denver, CO 80231