Richard Wendell Horton Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on Aug, 6, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family.
Richard was born on Nov. 15, 1943 in Enterprise to Emma and Cyril Horton. He grew up in Wallowa County and graduated from Wallowa High School in 1961. Shortly after graduating, Richard answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Navy in June 1961.
Richard proudly served in the U.S. Navy for approximately 15 years as an aviation ordnanceman. During his years of service, he was stationed aboard four major Navy vessels: the USS Midway, USS Enterprise, USS Coral Sea, and USS Kitty Hawk. His years in the Navy were an important part of his life and a source of pride that he carried with him throughout the years.
After his military service, Richard continued working hard to provide for his family. He worked at the Umatilla Chemical Army Depot in protective services where he patrolled perimeters, controlled physical access, monitored safety, and helped protect the facility. He later worked in dispatch and telecommunications, monitoring alarms, documenting incidents, and coordinating responses with on-site guards and local law enforcement.
Richard also spent time working in trucking and transportation, hauling a variety of loads across the country—from logging in the mountains of Oregon to travel trailers traveling the nation’s highways. He was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family and never feared hard work.
But above all of his accomplishments, Richard’s greatest joy was his family.
He loved spending as much time as possible with his family. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and being anywhere in the mountains—even if it was simply a day trip. He loved traveling back East every summer to visit family and friends, and spring break trips to the Oregon coast with his family were special memories he cherished.
In his younger years, Richard especially loved spending time with his brothers and family, sharing a few beers, telling stories, laughing, and carrying on until his tummy hurt. Those moments of laughter, togetherness, and family are among the memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Richard leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will miss him deeply. He is survived by his wife, daughters, son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many extended family members and friends who loved him.
Richard was greeted in heaven by his mother and father, his brothers and sister, and his firstborn son. He is now reunited with those he loved and lost before him, while his family here on Earth carries his memory forward.
Richard will be remembered for his love of family, his years of service to his country, his hard work, his stories, his laughter, and the countless memories he created with the people he loved most.
Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Husband, Brother, Uncle, and Friend—you will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
With heavy hearts, we invite family and friends to join us as we celebrate the life of Richard Horton.
Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
1 p.m.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston
685 W. Hermiston Ave.
Hermiston, Ore., 97838
Please join us as we come together to remember Dad, share stories, celebrate his life, and honor the memories he leaves behind. We would be grateful to have those who loved him there with us as we celebrate the life of a man who meant so much to so many.
A funeral reception will be held afterwards for family and close friends at the home of Kim Gibson (Richard’s daughter).
