L.J. Horton

L.J. (Pat) Horton, age 90, of North Little Rock, died Tuesday, December 28, 2010. He was born in the Canaan community outside Marshall, Arkansas on December 27, 1920 to the late Andy and Cora Horton. He grew up on the family farm until he joins the CCC's in 1940 to help his family with the money earned. In 1941, he joins the army and was sent to Fort Mears, Dutch Harbor, Alaska with Battery "C" 206th Coast Artillery (AA) Regiment before the United States entered World War II. After spending 30 months there, he returned to Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith, Arkansas for Infantry training. He was sent to Europe and fought on the front lines including the Battle of the Bulge. After returning from the war, he built houses and attended the Missionary Baptist seminary. In 1965, he changed occupations again by going to Eaton Barber College in Little Rock. He bought Pat's Barber shop (known now as Horton Barber Center) and operated it until semi-retirement and continued to work there up to 1991. He went into full retirement enjoying traveling, camping, fishing, gardening, and most importantly the "13 books" he wrote about his interesting and full life. His greatest joy was his family who he called "his people". He was preceded in death besides his parents, four brothers, Alvy, Chester, Rex, and Gwen Horton and two sisters, Willow Mae Horton and Mary Horton Harness. His first wife Margie Ruff Horton also preceded him. He is survived by his second wife Bobbie Bland Horton, who he said many times "she is the reason I have lived as long as I have". Three sons, Bill Horton (Brenda) of Benton, Bobby Bland (Sheli) of Floyd, Arkansas and Tim Horton of North Little Rock, two daughters, Linda Horton Dickey (David) of Greenbrier and Linda Bland Armstrong of Mayflower, one brother, Robert Horton of North Little Rock and two sisters, Irene Webb (James) of Harrison and Emma Rae King (Ed) of Harrison, nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the VA Homecare Staff and the great service they provided. We deeply appreciate their care for our loved one. Viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, December 30th at the North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, December 31st at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Arkansas and burial will follow at the Canaan Cemetery in Marshall. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.