Obituary
Thomas Earl Horton
Thomas Earl Horton, 73, of Trempealeau, WI, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2015 at Bluffview Memory Care in Holmen, WI. He was born January 2, 1942 to Earl “Bus” and Ruby “Jean” Horton. He married Carren Banks on June 30, 1962 in Chicago, IL.
Tom took great pride in his work. He began his public works career in Eau Claire, WI where he also served as a minister. Tom was a life long learner, completing his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration. Tom and Carren moved to Stockton,CA in 1984 where he managed and designed landfill systems for which he earned several awards for his work including a national award for his innovative ideas. He retired in 2003.
Tom found comfort and strength through his faith in Christ throughout his life. He ministered to others in both formal and informal settings with family and friends looking to him in times of need. In 1997 he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints which renewed his love for the Lord and his desire to serve Him. He served a home mission in Stockton, CA, as director of the Family History Library where his passion for genealogy involved researching both his and Carren’s family as well as assisting many others in their searches.
Tom loved his pets, especially his dog Casey, a golden retriever, who was a faithful companion throughout her life. He enjoyed rock collecting and sharing his knowledge with his grandchildren. He also liked photography, was an avid Green Bay Packer and Star Trek fan. Most of all Tom enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. Even in his last days, he was a kind and compassionate man, as seen by the number of Bluffview workers who stopped in to see him each day.
He is survived by his wife, Carren; children, Thomas (JudyAnn) Horton, Robert (Allene) Horton, Cynthia (Jonathan) White; grandchildren, Amanda, Carren, Marcus, Kyle, Michael, Robert, Ethan, James; great grandchildren, Everett, Preston; brothers, David, Dan, Larry, Garry; sisters, Nancy, Penny, Dawn; and many other relatives and friends.He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Patricia.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 6:00 pm on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason St. Onalaska, WI, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Dana Jackson will officiate.
I was so sorry to hear about Tom. My prayers are with the whole family, because I know he meant so much to all of you. He meant a lot to myself as well. Not only because he was my father-in-law, he was truly a good man and that seems to be harder and harder to come by these days. I had nothing but respect, affection and admiration for Tom and will miss him. At least he is now at peace and in a better place. God Bless, Tom
Bob & Allene,
So sorry for your loss – it is painful to lose someone you love so dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of grief.
Love, Kathy & Rodd
rest in peace cousin, may you forever sit at the hand jesus. love from illinois, david and donna.
Rest in peace Tom, you’ll be greatly missed.
Prayers going out to all of your loved ones who are hurting at this time.
You’re not gone, just away…until we meet again…Godspeed.
Tom we will miss you every days of are life , WE all got nothing but love for you rest in peace.DAVE
Some of my earliest memories of Tom was his courtship of Carren, which I know sounds like an old fashion word….however it does apply to them, and his brother Dave and Carren’s sister Judy. Since Dawn and I were 13 years younger then him, it was fascinating …at least to me, to watch how it all evolved. Such a gentle man, soft spoken and kind, you were the first born in this very large and loving family that we have and you are truly going to be missed. Rest peacefully Tom, love cousin Jeanie
Carren and Family:
May God’s grace be with you. I worked with Tom briefly as I began my public service career at the end of Tom’s. During this short time, he mentored me, teaching me about one of his many passions, that of stewardship of landfills. Though I was a Niner Fan, Tom was able tolerate this shortcoming in my character. He was and will be remembered by many for his faithful service to all.
Tom was a great teacher and mentor. He taught me to love the Solid Waste industry and appreciate all that goes into operating landfills and transfer stations. He taught me too well.
I can’t even enjoy a vacation anywhere without checking out the local landfill or how trash is collected. I am always looking for a garbage truck, no matter where I go….thanks to Tom Horton. His legacy will live on with me…and hopefully…I am passing that passion on to my employees. Rest in Peace Tom…and go SEAHAWKS!
in this circle we call life ,we were blessed to have you beside us as our brother and also our friend ,we will always love and miss you
I am very sad to hear about Tom’s passing. I loved Tom. He was such a whirlwind of energy when I met and worked for him in the newly formed solid waste division in 1985; and such a good guy. He helped me out immensely in my career and I learned a lot from him in that aspect, but most importantly I considered him a great friend in those years and after that until I did not see him as much over the years prior to him leaving Stockton. I thought of him many times after that right up to the present. We had many trips together to meetings, good times together at SWANA events and on the LTF, and outside of work over the years. Some of the last memories of sharing time with him I have are watching football at his place while grazing on his pot of chili on the stove, while petting his dog…
He was a huge wealth of solid waste experience going way back to his work starting in Wisconsin and the rest of his career. He was just a great man to work for and to know. He will be missed by many not only from his work career and friendships he had, but his character and giving through his church that he cherished so much.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Carren and his entire family at this sad time. Cathie and I both loved Tom.
Mark Urquhart
My deepest sympathy for Tom’s family. We at the North County Recycling Center and Sanitary Landfill will always remember Tom. His example and leadership have left their mark as we continue to “make it so.” May God bless you as you mourn your loss and may He grant you comfort in knowing Tom was revered, respected and missed.
“Jesus wept.”
So sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers to you and your family!
Tom my prayers go out to your family and friends. So many years have passed since we shared a ride to school. Rest in peace my friend.
I just found out about Toms death this afternoon. I worked for Tom for a few years in the early 2000’s at Solid Waste. He was a great boss and person and so honest! I am so sorry for your loss.
So sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. I always enjoyed his spiritual insights and especially the parables he drew from life and his pets.
I am grateful for his work in scouting with my sons.
Tom has touched many lives. I guess he had a part of the Master’s touch.
My sincerest condolences to the family of Tom Horton. May God comfort your hearts, and may the memories of him live on in you.