Clarence Delbert Horton, Sr Obituary (1923 - 2023)

Clarence Delbert Horton was born in Jewett, Missouri, to Walter and Mary Elizabeth (Francis) Horton, on September 21, 1923. He was the middle child in a family of five. He had two older sisters, Gertrude, and May, and two younger sisters, Rosie, and Ruby. During his lifetime, Clarence worked at many different and interesting jobs, including the Hanford Site, the CCC Service, and Grand Coulee Dam. He was a truck driver, factory worker, farm foreman, heavy equipment operator, and other various jobs from Missouri to the west coast. One of his favorite jobs was being a dad to his seven children, Beverly (Isaac) Spencer, Mary (Kim) Webster, Clarence Jr. (Jerrie), Delbert (Kellie), Robert (Debbie), Bryan (Sherrie), and Perry Horton. His absolute favorite job was being "Grandpa Clarence". He loved his many grand and great-grandchildren. He spent many vacations with his kids and grandkids, traveling throughout the U.S. He often bragged that his favorite traveling partner was Little Gary, his oldest grandson, because "Gary could make a friend anywhere." He also loved to tell anyone who would listen how prolific his family was and bragged about having over 70 grand and great-grandchildren. Once he got older, he travelled back and forth between Washington State and California to follow the warm weather. By the time he turned 80 years old, he realized traveling was getting a bit much for him and settled down in Selah, Washington, living behind Robert, Debbie, and their children on "the ranch" for 10+ years. Clarence worked until the ripe young age of 85. By then he was doing smaller jobs around the orchards and working with the less fortunate in food banks. He was generous to a fault for those in need with good hearts and good intentions. Clarence moved to Sun Towers Retirement Community in 2019. He loved having his own apartment and the friends he made while living there. Unfortunately, early in 2023, he fell, causing him to have a succession of medical problems. His last few months were spent at Landmark Care, where he had a good and caring medical staff. Clarence left us on August 24, 2023, just short of his 100th birthday, which he always said would be his greatest accomplishment. His family and friends all know that if he hadnt fallen, we would have been celebrating his birthday shortly. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary Elizabeth Horton, his sisters, Gertrude, May, Rosie, and Ruby. His granddaughter, Summer, grandsons, Gary, and baby, Crew. Clarence will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His family encourages all who knew Clarence to attend his viewing that will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 3:00-7:00pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday September 1, 2023, at 1:00pm, at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home (201 N. 2nd St., Yakima, WA, 98901). A Graveside Service will be held at West Hills Memorial Park immediately following the Funeral. A Celebration of his life will be held at the Harman Center on Summitview Avenue, at 3:00pm. Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com. Visitation Shaw and Sons Funeral Home Thursday, August 31, 2023 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM 201 N 2nd St. Yakima, WA 98901 Funeral Service Shaw and Sons Funeral Home Friday, September 1, 2023 1:00 PM 201 N 2nd St. Yakima, WA 98901 Graveside Service West Hills Memorial Park Friday, September 1, 2023 11800 Douglas Road Yakima, WA 98908