Editor’s Note: This obituary is from the Clarion-Ledger.

In the providence of God, Frank Collins Horton entered the presence of his Savior at home on May 4, 2016.

Born July 13, 1917, to Elizabeth Collins Horton and Samuel Hurd Horton of Grenada, MS, he attended Millsaps College and the University of Mississippi School of Law, after which he was admitted to the Mississippi BAR in 1941. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in 1942 and served as Judge Advocate in the China, Burma, India Theatre during WWII. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain in 1946.

In 1942 he married his next door neighbor and high school sweetheart, Joyce Matthews.

He joined long-time friends Joe Daniel and Curtis Coker at the law firm of Young, Daniel and Coker which later became Daniel, Coker, Horton and Bell in Jackson.

Firmly committed to the infallibility of Scripture as “the only rule of faith and practice”, Mr. Horton served as an elder in the Presbyterian church in Clinton beginning in 1956. He served on the Board of Directors of the Pensacola Theological Institute, was one of the five founders of Reformed Theological Seminary and served on the Board of Trustees as Secretary of that institution for 43 years. He was a Christian gentleman, a prince of a man, highly respected in the legal and business communities. 

He and his wife reared six covenant children and served as role models and mentors to countless more. He steadfastly believed and instilled in his children that “man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever”.

An exemplary husband, Mr. Horton served his wife throughout their more than 64 years together. When, during the last eight years of her life, she suffered Alzheimer’s, Mr. Horton cared for her in their home, seeing her through to the end of her earthly life. He fulfilled his vows. 

“His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to the world, ‘This was a man’.” – William Shakespeare

Preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Matthews Horton and daughter, Joyce Herring, he is survived by five children: Beverly Biggs of Crystal Springs; Frank C. “Bud” Horton, Jr. (Jennifer) of Brandon; “Frosty” Howell (Michael) of Montgomery, AL; Robert Samuel “Bob” Horton (Leigh Anne) of Gadsden, AL and Mark Horton of Clinton as well as by 19 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.

On Saturday, May 7, visitation at 2:00 pm and a memorial service at 3:00 pm will be held at Providence Presbyterian Church in Clinton, MS, following the 1:00 pm graveside service at Lakewood Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Reformed Theological Seminary, 5422 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, MS 39209.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15