Rocky Horton

Rocky Horton, was born October 30, 1957 to Clarence and Barbara (Corky) Horton in Eldorado, KS and grew up in Electra, TX. Rocky was a loyal, hard worker and followed his grandfather and father into the oil field industry at the age of 15. He was first married for 30 years to Glenda (Nee Avery) Horton of Electra, TX and had two sons, Michael Horton of Lubbock and Gary Horton of Abilene, TX.

He lived most of his adult life in West Texas rising from roughneck, roustabout, to gang foreman, district supervisor, production engineer and pumper for oil field companies such as Petro-Lewis, Palmer Brothers Construction, and RK Petroleum. He moved from Midland to Klondike to raise his sons in a great school and rural setting. His entrepreneurial, independent spirit led him to become a contract pumper where he served many oil companies. His pride of ownership cared for every oil well as if it was his own production company.

Later in life, Rocky moved to Lubbock to be closer to family. He began a new career as warehouse assistant supervisor and a "Jack" of all trades for Stephen Joseph, Inc., again serving the company as if it was his own. There, he made new friends that he loved like family.

He married Martha Ritz-Horton, in 2007 at the Church of the Blessed. He gained a daughter, Amanda P. Smith of Lubbock, whom he loved as his own and became a perfect fit in the Ritz family. They lived a full, happy life on their "mini" farm and had many adventures and travels together.

He loved the outdoors and farm life. He was a champion in competition shooting sports and his mind was an encyclopedia of firearms knowledge and history, especially colonial, Civil War, and black powder shooting. He was an amazing artist that loved to draw and paint history, and he always talked about overcoming his handicap of being left-handed in a right-handed world.

He was a talented craftsman and built numerous toys and unique pieces of furniture for his family. He spoke of fond memories and his love of the Avery family, their vacations and get togethers. He had a passion for his boys and will always be remembered as a man’s man and super-dad. His quick wit, charming sense of humor, and bright personality delighted his many friends and family. "Pops" also loved his grand-daughters, Zada and Greenli Horton of Lubbock and grandson, Ashton Horton of San Angelo. He was passionate about life’s mysteries, God’s creatures and loved to share them with his grand-kids.

Our Rocky passed away December 13th, 2020 at the age of 63, and will always be loved by his wife Martha, Sons, Daughter, Brother, Grandchildren, Cousins, as well as many other beloved family and friends.

He is survived by son Michael Horton and wife Jennifer of Lubbock, son Gary Horton of Abilene, former daughter-in-law Lisa Horton-Owen of San Angelo, brother Tony Horton and husband Mike of Wichita Falls, and sister-in-law Tammie Horton, widow of the late Kim Horton of Wichita Falls and Mother-in-Law Betty Ritz of Meadow, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Kim.

Out of respect for COVID circumstances, the family will host a small, private celebration of Rocky's life. In place of flowers, Rocky would have appreciated donations to Dusty Puddles Daschund Rescue of Lubbock and the Lubbock Animal Shelter or, contributions for a memorial tree planting in his honor at their home for close family and friends.