Otis Otha Horton – aka ‘Double O’, Bud, Buddy went to his heavenly home March 2, 2019. He was born May 31, 1922 in Kirvin, Texas to William Virgil and Mary Cross Weeks Horton. Seventh born of 9 children, Bud was the son of a share cropper, moving from location to location finally settling in Troup, Texas, where he attended and graduated from Salem School. It is here that Otha and Elsie were classmates. Not until after graduation and joining the Navy did he catch the eye of Elsie Louise Wilson. They corresponded through letter writing and on one of his personal times off from the Navy, Otha and Elsie went on a bowling date, and then over to the pastor’s home and got married – November 25, 1944.
Otis Otha was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 72 years; and infant daughter, Martha Joan Horton. He is also preceded in death by 4 brothers and 3 sisters.
Mr. Horton leaves behind his daughter, Lora Kathleen (Kathy) Nelson and son-in-law, Roger Dale Nelson of Baytown, Texas; 3 grandchildren, Kristopher Dale Nelson of Seabrook, Texas and wife Gayle Nelson of League City, Texas; Tammy Larisa McMullen and husband Les of Cypress, Texas; Joshua Kyle Nelson and wife Jackie of League City, Texas; three great granddaughters, Payton Reece McMullen, Brooke Addison McMullen and Kennedy Ann Nelson; brother, Edgar Eugene Horton and wife Joyce; as well as other extended family members, Matt and Brenda Sanders and their sons, Scott; Tres; Steven; Austin, and Cody Sanders; as well as multiple nieces and nephews.
‘Double O’ retired from Ashland Oil Refinery in Baytown, Texas. He was a skilled carpenter. Not only did he help to build both his homes, he helped to build many churches in the Baytown area.
O.O. Served in the U. S. Navy from June 17, 1941 until November 23, 1946. He entered the Navy as a Seaman Second Class, eventually ranking Chief Petty Officer. He was an aviation machinist mate on the USS Lexington CV-2 aircraft carrier. The USS Lexington was critically damaged by Japanese forces during the Battle of the Coral Sea on May 8, 1942 and the US Navy was forced to scuttle it. The aircraft carrier has since been located 500 miles off the coast of Australia – 76 years after being sunk. 216 crew members and 35 aircraft went down with the ship. 2,770 crewmen and officers were rescued by awaiting US ships.
Otha was a member of the Goose Creek Masonic Lodge in Baytown, Texas. He volunteered at many Shriner’s Circus events in Houston, Texas. He also participated in several parades and worked many oyster fry fund raisers. He built most of the cabinets at the club, as well as all the bodies for the carts that are still in use in parades today. O.O. and Elsie were a welcome fixture around the club for many years. His legacy as Shrine Club workere and cabinet maker helped the Baytown Shrine Club to be so successful. He never said no to hard work, when asked.
‘Double O’ was a member of Second Baptist Baytown. He also participated in the Senior Citizen Choir group – singing at different assisted living facilities and nursing homes in the Baytown/Highlands area.
Otha and Elsie both loved bowling and participating in bowling leagues most of their adult lives. They took great pride in their home. They always kept their yard mowed and trimmed neatly. Also, Elsie loved working in her flower beds, keeping them well manicured. . For a time, they kept a garden in their back yard. Every year they canned dill pickles and made homemade fig and pear preserves. Otha took great interest in his Pecan tree each year, harvesting the pecans; cracking; cleaning; and bagging them. Some went into the freezer, some were shared with family members, and he took orders from friends that wanted to purchase them from him.
The family will receive friends for visitation Thursday, March 7, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX 77521. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am in the Chapel of Navarre Funeral Home on Friday, March 8, 2019, with interment to follow in San Jacinto Memorial Park.
