Michael Ural Horton July 18, 1952 – July 26, 2026

Michael Ural Horton, 74, of Alba, Texas, passed away on July 26, 2026.

Michael was born on July 18, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Ural E. Horton Jr. and Jean Rosalia (Langworthy) Horton. He graduated from Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas, in 1970, where he was an accomplished track athlete. Following high school, Michael attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, where he studied medicine. He was a Latin language expert and accomplished writer.

Throughout his working years, Mike built a varied career. He worked for many home improvement stores, both nationally and internationally and expanded his expertise into sales and marketing for several years before starting his own company, Innovative Hardware. He attended and presented at the Handyman and other home improvement shows. Michael excelled in sales and he was recognized for his work when he was named Salesman of the Year.

On November 27, 1968, Mike married the love of his life, Pamela Elizabeth Hunter. Their marriage spanned nearly 55 years before Pamela’s passing in January 2023. Mike was always supportive of Pam and the many things they took on together throughout their life. Whether they were raising Boer goats, participating in local competitions or gathering eggs to sell at the Mineola Farmers Market, they made a life side by side.

Mike and Pam also raised Australian Shepherds. He had a special love for his dogs and he cared for them dearly. They were an important part of his life. He raised geese and enjoyed the resident wildlife and hummingbirds. He was also a Ranch Hand for his sister’s cattle operation.

Mike loved music and generously shared tunes with his family and others. His favorite band was the Moody Blues. He was also a fan of Alan Parsons and other rock and blue grass groups. Music was such a large part of his life that when he died, so did the music.

Mike was an Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster of BSA Scout Troop 520, Circle Ten Council, based in Cedar Hill, Texas. He attended Philmont many times. He was an accomplished writer and authored, ‘The Great Rattlesnake Camp Out’, a retrospective account of a March 1988 troop camp out at Lorch Park in Cedar Hill, where participants encountered and killed a giant western diamondback rattlesnake. Troop 520 also operated and volunteered at the Reindeer Manor haunted house park.

Mike contributed to the published book, ‘The Lone Star Speaks’, written by a former classmate, and provided unique insights into the JFK assassination.

Mike and Pam were actively involved in the Caring and Sharing Program to help those in need in the Wood County, Texas area.

Mike was a very loyal and supportive Big Brother to his siblings.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Ural E. Horton Jr. and Jean Rosalia Langworthy Horton; brother, Mark Richard Horton, and wife, Pamela Elizabeth Horton.

He is survived by his siblings, Michelle Jean Horton Hillery of Oak Leaf, TX and Marshall Jay Horton and Mary Esther Horton of Arkadelphia, AR. He is also survived by nieces and nephews: Sean Craig Hillery, Natalie Roseann Hillery Crabb, Hannah Eggleston, Lydia Hartley, Joanna Gunter, Esther Threadgill, Tim Horton and Elizabeth (Lizzy) Horton and their respective children.

Michael was laid to rest with Pam’s remains, per his request in the Willow Grove Cemetery in Buffalo, Wyoming.