Walter “Roy” Horton Sr. of Valparaiso passed away Sunday, May 23, 2010 at his home. He was 81.

He was born September 9, 1928 in Ash Flat, Ark., to John L. and Mary (Vaughn) Horton, who preceded him in death. He was married for 55 years to Lorraine (Hart) Horton, who survives in Valparaiso.

Also surviving are children, Deb(husband Larry) Wright, Walter Horton, Jr. and Denise (Terry) Wible, all of Valparaiso, and Doreen “Dee” (Tim) Edwards of Portage; grandchildren John (wife Taryn) Johns, Nicholas (Kandice) Carrillo, Nichole Wible Thurman, Kelsey Horton, Austin Edwards and Kyle Edwards; great grandchildren Jake Kociara, Zane Gooch, Emma Johns, Max Johns and Cliff Thurman; brothers Harry “Ray” Horton of Erie, Pa. and Clyde (Maria) Horton of Donora, Pa.; and sister Alice (Pat) Kosh of BelleVernon, Pa.

He was preceded in death by sister, Maxine Horton.

Walt worked as a welder for U.S. Steel. After retiring, he became a union Ironworker. He was a member of the American Legion Post #502, a past Worshipful Master of Dunes Lodge #741, F&AM, and Orak Shrine Temple & Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend. He was a charter member of Deep River Bowman’s Club and a member of the VFW. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy and an avid outdoorsman who will be sorely missed by his many friends and loving family.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 28 at 11 a.m. at the Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave., Portage, with Rev. Jerry Castleman officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. An American Legion Service will be held on Thursday at 7 p.m., with a Masonic Service at 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Christ Lutheran Church Building Fund, 2610 Campbell St., Valparaiso, Ind., 46385. www.EE-FH.com

Posted 5/25/2010