Donald Gene Horton, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to be with the Lord, August 22, 2025. He was born on October 27, 1938, in Mt. Vernon, IL, to William Paul and Dorothy Rose (Miller) Horton.
Don was a 1957 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. Following graduation, he entered the United States Navy and served for over seven years. Don served most of his time in the Navy on a Permit-class nuclear submarine. After his service, he attended The University of Houston and San Diego State. Don worked for the United States Department of Energy, Washington D.C., as the Deputy Director of Civilian Nuclear Power, as well as in Quality Assurance. While at the Department of Energy, he assisted in the Yucca Mountain Project, Las Vegas, NV. Don was a member of the; Sons of the American Revolution, Mayflower Society, VFW and American Legion. He was a member of Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, and associate member of United Church of Christ Midland, Sterling.
On September 15, 1973, he married his wife and soulmate, Vicki Lynn Stange, in Reno, NV.
Don is survived by: his wife of nearly 52 years, Vicki Horton, of Hutchinson; children, Stephanie (Mike) Madzy of Marble Falls, TX, Anthony Horton of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Christian Horton of Houston, TX, Joshua Horton of Round Rock, TX, Charles Wesley Madzy of Washington; great-grandson, Asher Horton; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; sister, Jaunita Godard; brothers, William Horton, Jr., Paul "Bob" Horton, Leonard Horton, Jack Horton, Charles Horton and Billy Horton.
Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Sterling Community Cemetery, 522 E. Cleveland, Sterling, with Pastor Mike McLemore officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the United State Navy Honor Guard. Friends may sign his book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.