A dedicated man to marriage, family and education.
George Richard “Dick” Horton passed away on Thursday, November 14th, 2019 at the age of 88. He was born in Granville Ohio on January 31, 1931—and attended Denison University, where his father (affectionately known as “Jo Jo”) worked as lead carpenter on many of its buildings. He was inspired by his father—a master teacher—to develop a passion for and great skill in carpentry. He was preceded in death by his father, his mother, Grace, and his sister, Kathryn, who all provided his true inspiration and foundation in life.
After Denison, he continued his education at Ohio University and The Ohio State University. He began his career as an industrial arts teacher in Delaware City Schools, then moved to Urbana City Schools before joining the faculty of Bowling Green State University in 1966 as an Assistant Professor of Industrial Education and Technology. He set lofty goals for himself and his students, supporting them during and after their time at BGSU. During his 30 years at the university, he served many roles—professor, advisor, leader, and friend. He served as Assistant Dean of Education, then Assistant Dean of Program and Development for over 10 years, then as Acting Dean of Firelands College and Director of Graduate Student Development. He finished his career in the field he loved, as a Professor of Industrial
Education and Technology.
His career affiliation with Ohio educational institutions spanned 43 years. But then we should remember his story of being a custodian at Ohio University while getting his Masters Degree—so make that 43 years, 7 months.
He enjoyed 68 years of loving and devoted marriage to his wife, Joyce. They both grew up in Granville and married in 1951. Friends and family say it was one of the most loving marriages they had ever known. They were an example to their son, Gary (wife, Denice) Horton, and daughter Jennifer, who passed in 2000, and her husband, Robb Coffman. “Nana and Papa” as they are known to the family, have 7 wonderful grandchildren and 5 energetic great-grandchildren. Papa always worked to make the family a strong and loving unit. Almost four decades ago, they purchased a summer cottage in Lakeside, Ohio where many summers were spent building immeasurable family bonds between grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was a man of many interests. What began as carpentry, led to wood carving and woodturning in his later years. He loved to carve and whittle shorebirds or other small masterpieces. He also loved to read— and probably had 3 books on the floor, along with four wood projects in different stages in his shop, at all times.
He loved music and played guitar with his son, Gary, as he had with his Dad, Jo Jo. He had an excellent baritone voice and actually sang at his own wedding. He also loved to fish, taking regular trips to Canada with cousins, children, and grandchildren. It was a place that his passion for teaching was obvious, as he enjoyed teaching the kids how to fish as much as he enjoyed casting his own line.
Then there was golf—a passion to be sure. He even made his own golf clubs early on (to give his shop a break from ordinary woodworking). He didn’t even need to be at the course or a driving range, he practiced with plastic balls out in the yard or putting on the carpet while he watched football. The handicap just didn’t matter; he was working on his game. He talked about changing his grip a little just four months ago, as he hit seven irons in his yard at age 88.
Dick, Dad, Papa—always an example for the family to look up to. He studied history, and more specifically and with piqued interest, he studied his family history. The people and personalities that came before were very important. He put integrity, kindness, love, and maybe most of all, a true positive view of life, on the path of those in the family to follow.
Visitation will be held on Thursday November 21, 2019 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster St. A memorial service will be held on Friday November 22, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1526 E. Wooster St. Bowling Green, Ohio 43402. Pastor Amy Miller will officiate. A second memorial service will be held on Saturday November 23, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 102 E. Broadway Granville, Ohio 43023. Pastor Bob Long will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Granville, Ohio.
Several years ago, he began a scholarship at BGSU – The G. R Horton Graduate Scholarship. This award was established to provide support for graduate students in the College of Technology. He wanted this scholarship to be supported in lieu of flowers. Contributions can be given online to: BGSU.edu/give or can be mailed to BGSU Huntington Building 1851 N. Research Dr. Bowling Green, OH 43402. Please include a note on check: G. R. Horton scholarship.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the Horton family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
