Leonard Bernard Horton Sr.

Leonard B. Horton, Sr., 95, Mobile native and jazz musician, died peacefully on September 27, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Leonard (Sr.) was born at home on August 18, 1930 by a midwife. He was one of nine children. He was a 1947 graduate of Allen Institute (Old Chestnut Street) at age 16. He was an accomplished jazz musician, a man of faith, and a lover of life. Whenever Leonard (Sr.) would learn about an accomplishment of someone he loved, he would say, "That's just beautiful!

Visiting his home was like taking a trip back in time. With his keyboard set up in the living room, he would play old jazz standards like "Laura," "Misty," and "On Green Dolphin Street" with a smile on his face and the precise hand movements of a 30 year old. His musical career on the electric keyboard and piano included jazz performances with several well-known musicians, including E.B. Coleman, Edward Pratt, Jr., and Earl Stafford. He and his son, Leonard B. Horton, Jr. (on drums), delighted the community and his church members at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church with his talent, which will be sincerely remembered as part of his musical legacy and a gift to others.

Leonard (Sr.) is preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Kelly Horton; son, Leonard B. Horton, Jr./Pete; parents, Ernest and Catherine Horton; brothers, Ernest Horton, Herman Horton, Herbert Horton, Norman Horton, Julius C. Horton; sister, Dorothy H. Brown; and girlfriend, Ms. Willie Earl Lilly.

He is survived by his daughter, Leona/Doll (Dr. Arthur) Lance; grandsons, Dr. Leonard B. Horton, III (Monica), Quentin Lance; granddaughters, Kenya K. Horton; great-granddaughters, Ari’el Nadine Horton and Summer Lance; great-grandson Kyran Lance; daughter-in-law, Paulette Davis Horton; sister, Catherine H. Brown; brother, Curtis Horton (Jackie), sister-in-law Katie K. Peters; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Pine Crest Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at Pine Crest Cemetery. A repast will be held at Pine Crest immediately following the service.

The family would like to thank Southern Care Hospice for their services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that monetary donations be made to: Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church: 1161 Michigan Ave. Mobile, AL 36605.