Oscar Raymond "Ray" Horton

Oscar Raymond (“Ray”) Horton, 77, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus peacefully on Sunday, July 3, while surrounded by family at his home in Blue Springs, MO. He was born in Picher, OK, on October 7, 1944, to Ruth Helen Gregory with his father was unknown. Shortly after, he was adopted by Oscar L. and Josephine (Rowden) Horton and raised in Picher, OK. Ray graduated from Picher High School, class of 1964. In 1966 Ray and Glenda (Sherwood) Dannels welcomed their son Darrin Ray Horton into the world. Ray married the former Rita Camacho of Kansas City, MO, on December 9, 1970, and they remained in love until Rita’s passing on November 5, 2021.

Ray was a Golden Gloves boxing champion and finalist in high school. He played baseball and football and ran track for the Picher Gorillas. He enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball and football teams and prioritizing being present at as many of their practices and games as possible. Ray’s favorite pastime was fishing. During his time at various lakes, he would spend hours talking to God, sharing his faith in Jesus with others, and giving away the fish he caught to those in need.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Rita; his son Darrin Horton; his dad Oscar and mom Josephine; and his brother Bob Welch. He is survived by his two sons Raymond and his wife, Stephanie (Blue Springs, MO), and Damon and his wife, Elicia (Riverside, CA). His grandchildren Cody (Grove, OK), Kayla and her husband, Dom Bradley (Columbia, MO), Raymond Jr, Yahshuah (both Blue Springs, MO), Izabelle, Lola, and Damon “Duce” Jr (all Riverside, CA) survive Ray in addition to his seven great-grandchildren.

Ray’s final wishes did not include a funeral or celebration of life. He requested his immediate family enjoy a day together at the lake he spent most of his time fishing. He asked for “Scars in Heaven” by Casting Crowns to be played during their time together. Ray often expressed joy knowing his family had also embraced Jesus as their Lord and Savior. His last words to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were, “Don’t follow the crowds. Never be ashamed to share about Jesus. Love God with all you have, and He will lead you home. I love you always.”