JL Horton, 94, of Herculaneum died Jan. 13, 2019, at his home. Mr. Horton was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of First Baptist Church of Herculaneum/Pevely. He began his career as a teacher and coach for high schools in Marston, Karuth and Campbell, then went on to serve as principal for Bell, Campbell and Kahoka high schools. He took the principal position at Herculaneum High School in 1964, retiring in 1984. He was among the first group of inductees to the Blackcat Hall of Fame, and on Dec. 13 was honored with the naming of the JL Horton Administrative Center on the Herculaneum campus of the Dunklin R-5 School District. He was born May 20, 1924, in Egypt, Ark., the son of the late Ethel (Prater) Ward and Lloyd “LS” Horton.
He is survived by his wife: Eva (Campbell) Horton; a son: Gerald (Debbie) Horton of Dyersburg, Tenn.; a daughter: Linda (David) Adler of Gladwin, Mich.; three grandchildren: Stan (Chris) Helms, Heather Crouch and Nathan (Susan) Horton; and four great-grandchildren: James Helms, Jared Helms, Carter Crouch and Lilah Jane Horton.
He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Kate Horton; and two brothers: Willard and Waymond Horton.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at First Baptist Church of Herculaneum/Pevely, 1315 Abbey Lane, in Pevely. Visitation is at 9 a.m. and a funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at the church, officiated by Pastor Jeff Purvis. Burial is in the Mounds Park Cemetery in New Madrid County. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Herculaneum/Pevely. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.