Lyman Clyde Horton

Lyman Clyde Horton, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 23, 2021. He was born in Montgomery, Ala., on June 26, 1929, to William Paul and Cathaline Combs Horton. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 62 years, Mary Jo Craig Horton; son, Lyman Clyde Horton, Jr.; brothers, Paul "Bama" Horton and George "Buddy" Horton; and sister, Katrine McFaden. He is survived by two daughters, Margo Rowe (David) of Little Rock and Carol Kensel (Scott) of Rogersville, Mo.; son, Mark Horton (Danielle) of St. Charles, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Clay Rowe (Mandy Butler), Josh Rowe (Tiffany), Rob Kensel (Mehgan), Joe Kensel, Karli Kensel, Lindsey Horton Carney (Justin), and Delilah Horton; six great-grandchildren, Josh, Maddie and Lexie Rowe, Jameson and Magnolia Kensel, and Mary Craig Carney; and many nieces and nephews. Clyde and Mary Jo joined Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in 1960 after arriving in Little Rock after living in Ft. Smith and Russellville, Arkansas. They were members of the Pairs and Spares Class, Christian Fellowship Class, and the Round Table Class. He was a past member of PHUMC Administrative Board. He was active in Bible Study Fellowship for nine years and the Wally Gee Men's Bible Study at Asbury UMC. Clyde and Mary Jo enjoyed traveling together, spending time at Greer's Ferry Lake, and were avid bridge players. They were devoted Razorback and Dallas Cowboy fans. They were members of the Razorback Club for many years and put on golf tournaments to raise money for the Lady Razorbacks. Clyde enjoyed playing golf with the DPs at Rebsamen Golf Course. Clyde attended Woodruff Elementary, Pulaski Heights Junior High, and graduated from Little Rock High School in 1947. He was a football letterman on the 1944 and 1946 All State and Conference Championship teams. The 1946 team won the New Orleans Toy Bowl game and were named National Champions. He was on the 1945 and 1947 State Championship track teams. He played football at the University of Alabama, then transferred to Arkansas Tech to play for his high school coach. Tech won the 1949 AIC football championship. He was a three-year letterman and captain of the Tech track team. After graduating from Tech with a degree in physical education and business administration, Clyde held coaching jobs at Darby Junior High, Ft. Smith Northside, Russellville High and spent 27 years at Little Rock Central High. While head track coach his track teams won eight state championships, 13 cross-country state championships, and he coached eight nationally ranked hurdlers. He was honored as Arkansas Track Coach of the Year in 1964, 1972, 1975, and 1976. He was National Track Coach of the Year in 1969 and 1974 and National Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1979. He coached sprints, hurdles, and relays at the U.S. Olympic Development Facility in 1979. As assistant LRCHS football coach, he helped the Tigers win nine state football championships. Clyde Horton was inducted into the Arkansas Track Hall of Fame, National High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame, Arkansas Tech University Hall of Distinction, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, and the Arkansas High School Coach Hall of Fame. He received the Paul Eells Distinguished American Award, the Little Rock Volunteers in Public Schools Special Champion Award, Baptist Health Amazing Spirit Award, and was honored at the Little Rock Central High Tiger Foundation Award of Excellence Dinner. He retired from the Arkansas Air National Guard as a Lt. Colonel with 33 1/2 years of service. He was called to active duty in 1968 during the Pueblo Crisis with North Korea. The family would like to thank the caring staff of nurses and doctors at Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Baptist Health, and Hospice Home Care on Bowman Road. Memorials may be made to the Clyde and Mary Jo Horton Food Pantry Endowment, PHUMC Foundation, 4823 Woodlawn Dr., Little Rock, Ark., 72205. A memorial service will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church at 10 o'clock on October 4. Visitation will be at Roller Chenal on October 3, from 4-6. Please wear a mask. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal