William Dean Horton

William ‘Bill’ D. Horton, age 97, entered Heaven on Thursday, January 16, 2025, and was reunited with his wife, Joan, his son, Steven, and brother Robert. Bill was born April 6,1927, to Grady and Edna Horton in the small town of Maryville Missouri, and raised in the neighboring town of Ravenwood, Missouri. The Horton family moved to Long Beach CA and there he met and married his high school sweetheart Joan Young in 1947, sharing 62 wonderful, blessed years together. Joan’s father was an oil man and Bill worked for him in the summers, inspiring Bill to become a petroleum engineer. Their children, Debra and Steven, were born while Joan helped Bill finish his college studies, graduating with an Honors Master degree from the University of Southern California and immediately joined the Texaco Oil Company. The family moved quite often to cities in California, Texas, Oklahoma, and New York. Bill also had the opportunity to travel abroad and upon becoming chief petroleum engineer, Bill established a program for other Texaco engineers from around the world to come to Houston with their families for one year to increase their knowledge. After 40 years, Bill retired to spend more time with Joan, traveling the world together and playing golf with his buddies. Bill also began attending St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church with Joan, where he became a member. When asked why he became a Catholic, he replied, “I’ve thirsted for a spiritual life for long time, and I’ve found a home here”. One highlight of Bill and Joan’s lives were their trips to the Holy Land and Rome with their priest. Bill is survived by his daughter, Debra Horton, daughter-in-law, Patricia Horton, grandson David Horton, sister-in-law, Melanie Horton, nieces and nephews, Eric Horton, Tim Horton, Genna McMahon, and Jodi McCarthy.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from Noon until 1:30 PM on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Home, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX with a Vigil Service from 1:30PM to 2:00PM. A graveside service and committal will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, Houston, TX.