Paul Wayne Horton

Growing up in Euless Texas, Wayne learned many trades that would be his lifestyle his entire life. By the young age of 16 Wayne was milking cows, hauling milk to and from producers, harvesting and bailing hay then delivering/selling hay throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Along with his many cousins and friends he acquired many special skills by working at an Amusement Park handling the pony rides, a Polo playing field, exercising horses and many other escapades. He enjoyed trips to the picture Show in Ft Worth, visiting the Russell Stover Candy store, attending the Ft Worth Stock Show, and riding his own pony CHAMP in all the parades during the rodeo season. What a happy childhood he had. After graduating from L D Bell Hight School in Euless, Wayne began his family (Children - Jeff and Holley) and continued to work for Paul Horton Trucking until his Father's death in 1966. Wayne and his Mother (Babe) sold their trucking business to what would later be named AMPI. In 1971 Wayne and his family moved to East Texas (Quitman) and he worked for Troy Avery Electrical. He also worked for Southland Grocery Company (truck driving), Operated his own dairy business in Coke Texas and was enjoying his life. In December of 1981 he met Joanna from Winnsboro at a Christmas Party and a new life began. After their respective children graduated from Quitman and Winnsboro High Schools, Wayne and Joanna traveled to Las Vegas on September 13,1985, (yes, a Friday the 13th) and were married in The Little Chapel of the West. Wayne loved rodeos, (especially the Las Vegas NFR) the NHRA drag races, Team roping events, raising dairy cows and beef cows, working on the family farm, bailing and selling hay and of course, owning his own trucks and driving all over the USA. He loved his family, Sisters LaJuan & Paula; Children Jeff, Holley, Kat and Grandchildren Taylor and Darien. Nephews, Tyler & Brad; Niece, Joanne; Brother-In-Laws Lane, John & Wes. Extended family including Kelli, Donnie, Abbi, Ashley & Caden; Matt & Melissa; Amy and Danny and Karen & Will; Larkin & Sybil and their kids…Nate, Nat, Lona, Paulie, and Morgan. Special Camp friends including Charlotte & Mike; James V; Greg G. & Greg B.; Verlene, Wes, Renee & Julie and Rodney just to name a few. Other special friends that he enjoyed spending time with include Jack, Vic, Rosie & Kevin, Jill & Seth, Shorty, Ben, Ted, Hank and Shirley & Harry and Pastor Debbie & Preacher Man Henry and Bro. Fred. He spent many good times on vacations, camps, travels and parties. He made friends very easily and was always good for a story to hear or tell. He was a rascal but always good at his word, whether you wanted to hear it or not. He never waivered in who and what he believed in and he was OK with you not actually agreeing with him all the time. Independent, forceful dedicated, and hardworking were the notes of his life. Through the Pilot International organization, he and Joanna became involved in Traumatic Brain Injury camps for adults where he became a friend to a new group of friends throughout the USA. His quick wit, his compassion for new friends made him an extremely popular caregiver to many campers and their family members. He was funny, bossy, stern and loveable for his association with these camps for over 25 years. He was a favorite dance partner, a confidant, disciplinarian and a great cook, during these fun times. As health issues began to plaque him, he worked and played hard until the he began to enjoy watching rather than doing, and but was always helpful without hesitation. He found many months of peace and happiness while worshiping, attending and working/helping at the First United Methodist Church. He had a definite signature for folks to recognize him during all church services, his lawn mower tattoo man on his head that could be seen when he was not wearing his ever-present Cowboy hat or Signature Cap. He never left the house without a ‘cap'….. ever. He believed in God, Family, Good Health, Laughter and Happiness.