Lt. Col Paul Raymond Horton, U.S. Air Force, Retired

August 29th, 1926 - April 24th, 2020

Born in San Antonio, TX to Claire (Vaughn) and Albert Sydney Horton.

Preceded in death by his loving parents, three older brothers (Albert Sydney Horton Jr., Forrest Hale Horton, and Phillip Randolph Horton), one sister (Virginia Horton), son Richard Keith Horton, and granddaughter Juliette Lynn Horton.

Survived By his adoring wife of 71 years, Phyllis J Horton, Sons - Robert Terence Horton (Bonnie)of Reading, PA. Barry Leonard (BJ) Horton of Philadelphia, PA, Daughters - Cynthia Pierson of Cinnaminson, NJ. Phyllis Dawn Horton of Live Oak, TX, Nephews - Stephen Horton (Raquel) of San Antonio, TX, and William Horton (Anne) of Long Beach, CA, 10 Grandchildren, many great-nieces and great-nephews, and Pooh Bear (his faithful canine companion).

Paul graduated from Brackenridge High School in San Antonio in 1943 when he was 16 years old. He worked at Kelly Air Field in San Antonio, TX, until old enough to join the Army. He deployed to Luzon, Philippines, to prepare for the invasion of Japan when the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki quickly ended the war. After the war, Paul served as part of the Allied occupation forces in Germany as a Military Policeman. Following his tour of duty in Europe, he returned to San Antonio for selection to Officer Training School. After graduating from OTS as a 2nd LT, The Army posted Paul to the Boca Raton Air Field, FL, and then at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. In 1948, Paul transferred to the Air Force from the Army Air Force and relocated to the newly reopened McGuire Air Force Base in Wrightstown, NJ.

The following November, at a dance at Ft. Dix, NJ, he met the girl (Phyllis VanBibber) who would become his wife. Two months after they met, they became engaged. Three months later, Paul & Phyllis were married in the McGuire Air Force Base Chapel, a marriage that would last just ten days short of 71 years! Paul had planned on making the military his career. But to his dismay, his young bride was not at all enthused about military life. After being on active duty for ten years, Paul transferred to the Air Force Active Reserves. His wife, Phyllis, was from NJ with a large extended family. With the opportunity of many good jobs in NJ using his military training. Paul and his wife settled in Beverly, NJ, and raised five children. Paul enrolled in night classes at LASALLE University in Philadelphia, PA, graduating in 1961. Between working at his job during the day and going to school at night, Paul would leave the house at 5 AM and not return till midnight.

Paul retired from the Air Force Reserves in 1975 as a Lt Col. and comptroller for his unit. He retired from RCA in 1985. Paul was active in many civic and community affairs while living in NJ. He served as a City Council member, city treasurer, tax collector, a member of the Beverly Emergency Squad, and Volunteer Fire Company Number One, Scout Master, and an active member of the Beverly/Riverside Masonic Lodge 107. In 2000, Paul finally convinced his wife that they should move back down to San Antonio for the weather--after all, he told her, "You don't have to shovel rain!" It took him 50 years to do it, but Paul finally got back to his roots.

Special thanks to Genesis Hospice, especially Diana Rodriguez, who provided excellent care for Paul in his last few months.

In place of flowers, please make a contribution to the charity of your choice in his name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Horton family.

Paul's funeral service will be live streamed on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 2:00 PM. https://www.facebook.com/ColonialFuneral