Lyman "Clyde" Horton

Send Flowers

Visitation Schedule
Visitation
Roller Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway Drive
Little Rock, AR  72211
Sunday, October 3, 2021
4:00 - 6:00 P.M.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Pulaski Heights Methodist Church
4823 Woodlawn Street
Little Rock, AR  72205
Monday, October 4, 2021
10:00 A.M.

Lyman "Clyde" HortonI am a Veteran.

of Little Rock, AR

June 26, 1929 - September 23, 2021

LYMAN CLYDE HORTON went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 23, 2021. He was born in Montgomery, Alabama on June 26, 1929, to William Paul and Cathaline Combs Horton. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 62 years Mary Jo Craig Horton; son, Lyman Clyde Horton, Jr.; brothers Paul "Bama" Horton and George "Buddy" Horton; and sister Katrine McFaden. He is survived by two daughters Margo Rowe (David) of Little Rock and Carol Kensel (Scott) of Rogersville, MO; son Mark Horton (Danielle) of St. Charles, MO; seven grandchildren, Clay Rowe (Mandy Butler), Josh Rowe (Tiffany), Rob Kensel (Mehgan), Joe Kensel, Karli Kensel, Lindsey Horton Carney (Justin), and Delilah Horton; six great grandchildren, Josh, Maddie and Lexie Rowe, Jameson and Magnolia Kensel, and Mary Craig Carney; and many nieces and nephews.

Clyde and Mary Jo joined Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in 1960 after arriving in Little Rock after living in Ft. Smith and Russellville, Arkansas. They were members of the Pairs and Spares Class, Christian Fellowship Class, and the Round Table Class. He was a past member of PHUMC Administrative Board. He was active in Bible Study Fellowship for nine years and the Wally Gee Men's Bible Study at Asbury UMC. Clyde and Mary Jo enjoyed traveling together, spending time at Greer's Ferry Lake, and were avid bridge players. They were devoted Razorback and Dallas Cowboy fans. They were members of the Razorback Club for many years and put on golf tournaments to raise money for the Lady Razorbacks. Clyde enjoyed playing golf with the DPs at Rebsamen Golf Course.

Clyde attended Woodruff Elementary, Pulaski Heights Junior High, and graduated from Little Rock High School in 1947. He was a football letterman on the 1944 and 1946 All State and Conference Championship teams. The 1946 team won the New Orleans Toy Bowl game and were named National Champions. He was on the 1945 and 1947 State Championship track teams.He played football at the University of Alabama, then transferred to Arkansas Tech to play for his high school coach. Tech won the 1949 AIC football championship. He was a three year letterman and captain of the Tech track team.

After graduating from Tech with a degree in physical education and business administration, Clyde held coaching jobs at Darby Junior High, Ft. Smith Northside, Russellville High and spent twenty-seven years at Little Rock Central High. While head track coach his track teams won eight state championships, thirteen cross country state championships, and he coached eight nationally ranked hurdlers. He was honored as Arkansas Track Coach of the Year in 1964, 1972, 1975, and 1976. He was National Track Coach of the Year in 1969 and 1974 and National Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1979. He coached sprints, hurdles, and relays at the U.S. Olympic Development Facility in 1979. As assistant LRCHS football coach, he helped the Tigers win nine state football championships.
Clyde Horton was inducted into the Arkansas Track Hall of Fame, National High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame, Arkansas Tech University Hall of Distinction, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, and the Arkansas High School Coach Hall of Fame. He received the Paul Eels Distinguished American Award, the Little Rock Volunteers in Public Schools Special Champion Award, Baptist Health Amazing Spirit Award, and was honored at the Little Rock Central High Tiger Foundation Award of Excellence Dinner.He retired from the Arkansas Air National Guard as a Lt. Colonel with 33 1/2 years of service. He was called to active duty in 1968 during the Pueblo Crisis with North Korea.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of nurses and doctors at Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Baptist Health, and Hospice Home Care on Bowman Road.

Memorials may be made to the Clyde and Mary Jo Horton Food Pantry Endowment, PHUMC Foundation, 4823 Woodlawn Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205.

A memorial service will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church at 10 o'clock on October 4th. Visitation will be at Roller Chenal on October 3rd from 4:00-6:00. Please wear a mask.


    Print Obituary

Sign Guestbook

56 Condolence(s)
Pamela L Nixon
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 10, 2021

My condolences to Margo, Carol and Mark and all your families. Coach Horton was an awesome coach and left a great legacy. If any of you ever need to talk you can always contact me at 501 295-6838. Prayers up and all around.

Edward L. Green
Benton, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 7, 2021

My condolences to the family. Mark your dad was a great light in our high school and later lives, he will be surely missed. Class of 81. Go Tigers.

Beverly Wiggs Robertson
Bryant, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Coach was my driver's ed teacher and I have many fond memories of him. He made sure that every student knew how to change a flat tire, especially the girls! My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Dagan Boone
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Just wanted to stop by and send my Condolences to Coach Horton's family. Im the son of Coach Eddie Boone a long time Coach and friend of Clyde at Central. Again we are in your thoughts and prayers during this time.
God bless.

Charles (Juno) Jamison
Hot Springs Village, AR
Liked
Monday, October 4, 2021

Coach Horton was such a positive influence on thousands of students and athletes at Little Rock Central High School. I was so lucky to be one of those Tigers!
Please accept the sincere condolences of the Jamison Family on the passing of a LRCHS Tiger legend.

Ralph Pack
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Monday, October 4, 2021

RIP to a first class gentleman and fine person.

Mike Turner
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, October 4, 2021

Mark, your Dad and I had many great days with the DP's at Rebsamen. He was a fine Christian man and he always talked about how blessed he was to be surrounded by a loving family.

Darryl
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 3, 2021

Thanks you Coach for seeing something in me that I didn't see in myself. Not only were you an outstanding Coach but you were a GREAT Man. On behalf of the Class of 1986,we offer our sincere condolences and prayers to your entire family and we thank you all for sharing your father and love one.

#TIGERPRIDE

Charlie Wood
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Saturday, October 2, 2021

He was perhaps the most successful high school coach in Arkansas history. I suspect he won more state championships than any coach, and certainly was a legend and personal hero to hundreds of athletes. He took boys and made them champions. Not only just track, though-he a was a football coach, too, whom his players loved! Coach Horton was not only my coach; but we also lived in his neighborhood. So I often saw him away from Central. I washed his cars on the weekend (for five bucks) at my dad's Mobil service station. His mild manner, kindness, and special 'dry' brand of humor will never be forgotten by all of us who knew him. Charlie Wood LRCHS 1967

George Shelton
Fort Worth, TX
Liked
Friday, October 1, 2021

Coach Horton was a great individual with a beautiful spirit. I love going to his gym classes because he made everyone seem special. He didn’t judge people by the color of their skin but the content of their character. We all know their were racial unrest during the sixties but Coach Horton was instrumental in bridging that gap. I really loved and respected this man and I pray God’s Grace and Mercy on the family.

Mike Haigh
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, October 1, 2021

Coach Horton and I shared great times in Bible Study Fellowship. Blessings to his family and friends.

Evelyn Hemphill Callaway
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, October 1, 2021

Coach Horton will forever be in my heart. As a new co-worker at Central his kind sprit and demeanor kept me stronger in my chosen profession for over 41 years. Heaven has gained another Angel.

Evelyn Hemphill Callaway
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, October 1, 2021

Coach Horton will forever be in my heart. As a new co-worker at Central his kind sprit and demeanor kept me stronger in my chosen profession for over 41 years. Heaven has gained another Angel.

Chuck Hemingway
Bend, OR
Liked
Thursday, September 30, 2021

My deepest sympathy to the Horton family. Coach Horton was always an inspiration to me. It was not just his ability as one of the finest coaches ever, it was the example he set by the life he led that resonated most. On or off the track or athletic field he was a teacher who modeled what it looked like to be a man of faith and one who truly cared for those with whom he came in contact. After many years I was able to reconnect with him - something I really treasure.

Jesse Johnson
Bradford, RI
Liked
Thursday, September 30, 2021

Coach Horton will always be remembered as a special human being. I was fortunate to be a track manager in 1962 - 64 years at Central. Our prayers for his family.

Tanya Mitchell Barton
Maumelle,
Liked
Thursday, September 30, 2021

Coach Horton taught me driver education courses at LR Central High many years ago. I learned a lot! Coach Horton was a very nice man, great teacher and excellent coach. Extending prayers of comfort to the Horton Family.

LRCH Class of '77

David R. Arellanes
Bryant, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 30, 2021

May Coach rest in the loving peace of our Lord.
May God bless all the family and keep them through this time.

Virginia Lewis
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 30, 2021

Margo, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Your dad was a friend of my dad's. They played golf together with the DP's at Rebsamen. Prayers for you and your family.

Kelly Davis
Russellville,
Liked
Thursday, September 30, 2021

Coach Horton had always been so kind to me when he visited Arkansas Tech. I loved his stories about his time here and how coaching gave him so much pleasure. Prayers to the family during this time.

Suzanne Griscom
Cotter, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 30, 2021

Coach Horton was one of the finest persons I have ever known. His positive influence on the people he taught, coached, mentored, and befriended cannot be overestimated.

Lisa Fuller
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

My condolences to Coach Horton's family! He was a wonderful man & will always be remembered as one of the best! LRCH C/O 1986!

Brenda Hammons Butler
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

So sorry for your family's loss. What a special person Coach was throughout the years He taught me how to swim one summer back in the early 1960's. Then he was such a role model for all students at LR Central! He will be greatly missed by all.

Member- Class of '73

Rebecca Stroud-Ballew
Beebe, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

RIP Coach Horton and my condolences to his family. He will be remembered always.

Connor Livingston
Roland, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

I've known this family for over 30 years and all I can say is the Livingston Family sends our love and condolences to you all.

Rest in peace Coach Horton.

Debby Toler Felton
Bryant, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

I’m so sorry for the loss of Coach Horton. He was a positive influence and blessing to so very many during his long life. My little bro thought the world of him.

Teri Camp Willis
Whippany, NJ
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Sending prayers and deepest condolences to his family. Coach Horton was the most kind, patient man… Who taught me drive in drivers education in 1980 at LRCH.

Genard Blu’ Medley
Snellville, GA
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

🕊THANK YOU COACH for ALL You Taught Me, especially PERSEVERANCE, THANK YOU FOR THA LOVE YOU SHOWED ME….I KNOW HOW PROUD YOU WERE OF ME WHEN YOU CALLED TO CONGRATULATE ME ON BEING INDUCTED INTO THE ARKANSAS TRACK HALL OF FAME this past JUNE….OUR VISIT THAT MORNING I WILL NEVER FORGET, as a Matter of Fact I Recorded the Whole Visit….but What I will ALWAYZ REMEMBER is What YOU ALWAYZ Tell Me every time We Talk and the LAST THING YOU EVER TOLD ME on JUNE 11th “GENARD I LOVE YOU” and Know COACH HORTON I LOVE YOU MORE…MAY YOU REST IN THE ARMz of GOD with MOMMA 🕊MARYJO🕊in SWEET HEAVENLY TRACK PEACE🕊🙏🏾

Mike McGibbony
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Coach Horton was one of the finest men that I've known. Not only did a play for him but I had the privilege to attend Bible Study with him the last 6 or 7 years. He taught me so much over my life. He was tough, humble, faithful, and kind. I am forever grateful for him and his family whom we were so close to for many years. Just outstanding people and Coach will be missed but I know he with our Savior and enjoying a game of bridge with Mary Jo.

Ray Gillespie
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

My friend and Mentor! Love you Sir!

Sara Cole Daily
Russellville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Peace and love to The family.

Larry
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Coach Horton was truly a legend in coaching. Two years ago before COVID hit at the age of 90 he was coaching hurdlers at LRCH. Truly a wonderful human being!

Ben Edwards
Morrilton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

The Edwards family offer our condolences to the Horton family.
Coach Horton gave me a chance to really enjoy my senior year and changed my life.
Class of 1970

Douglas J Spencer
Warren, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Coach Horton believed in me before I believed in myself and thanks to him I got a full track scholarship to the University of Alabama , he was a role model and father figure to me and I am grateful to have been one of his athletes , LRCH Class 1965. RIP to the best Coach I ever had !

Ben Edwards
Morrilton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

The Edwards family offer our condolences to the Horton family.

Ronda Davis-Ward
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

May God bless the Horton Family and all those who knew and loved Coach with peace, comfort and strength. A life well-lived can never be diminished by death because the lessons learned and the legacy left behind remains on our hearts and inour memories forever, As a class of '76 graduate of LR Central coach gave me the opportunity (stats and timing) with his championship track teams. He helped me develop my Love for track and field. His knowledge, faith and kindness will be greatly missed.

Pat Jones
Tulsa, OK
Liked
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Very good man ! R.I.P. Coach

Alonzo Bennett
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

My Condolences to HIS Family and Friends-A Tiger Teacher is Gone Teachers are Special People they see in us things we don’t and the Good Ones always bring the Best Out of us All So Let Us ,Remember Him and keep Him in Our Hearts,Prayers and Thoughts and their Family Also in Loving Memory of Coach Clyde Horton- He Taught Me How To,Drive Rest in Love Coach!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💙

Mike Hufstedler
Bryant, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Coach was a great inspiration! He touched may lives.

Ray Olinger
Gulf Shores, AL
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Coach Horton was an awesome man. I loved running track for him.

Michael K Cornett
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Coach was my driver's ed teacher, and a better, more patient teacher I could not have asked for. To this day, I think of his "Key, Floor, Door" mantra every time I climb into my car, and his rule that you had to wear your seatbelt or run around the car 3 times still makes me laugh (and no one ever had to do it). I thought the world of you, Coach, and I offer my sincerest condolences to your family.

Willie Bryant WhitfieldJr
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Rest In Peace Coach.

Lee Dougkass
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

So sorry to hear of Coach Horton’s passing. He was my football coach when I played @ LR Central. There are always those educators who have a positive effect on you as a student. He was one of those educators. Condolences to his family.

Tom and Vicki Hoffman
Bella Vista, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

We are so very sorry to learn of the loss of Coach Horton. He was a great man and a great coach. He encouraged me in sports, even while I was in Junior High at West Side, and during my sophomore year at Central. It was our pleasure to visit with him, and Mrs. Horton through the years since high school. We send our most sincere condolences to his family at this time. You can only imagine how grateful we are for Coach Horton's guidance, encouragement, and friendship.

Eric Thrasher
Coppell, TX
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Coach Horton was a great Coach, but an even better person. Always had a smile for everyone. My sincere condolences to The Horton Family. Praying for your strength today, tomorrow and the days ahead.

Kathy Keary
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Coach was a wonderful person, & he went to the same schools I did!! Condolences to his family🙏

Sherry Herndon Duggin
Roland, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Prayers and condolences to Coach Horton’s family. RIP Coach!

Sherry Herndon Duggin
LRCHS Class of ‘74

Ouida Carter
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Coach Horton and I worked together via the LRSD Athletic Department. My sincere condolences to the Horton Family. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Barry Hardin
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Clyde was not only a great teacher, coach and mentor to thousands of students who loved and respected him, he was greatly admired and liked by all the faculty at Little Rock Central High School. He was a rare soul who made all those who knew him a better person. He will be greatly missed.

Rachel Williams
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Thinking of you.

Little Rock Central High School Class of 1980
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Members of the Little Rock Central High School Class of 1980 send our warmest condolences to the family of our beloved Coach Horton. Whether on the track, the cross country course, the football field, on campus or off campus, he mentored so many of us, and set such a great example for us to follow. We are grateful for all he gave to the institution and to us individually for so many years. Rest in peace, Coach.

Sanford Tollette
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Great man, great coach, great husband, great father, great friend. As a member of the track team, he always made us feel special. His kind words and humor during the 1960s made me feel like I could fit in at Central School during turbulent times. Brief interactions with him throughout the years, continued to reinforce what I felt was a special relationship. What a great human being and a great loss. He is the real champion. Sanford Tollette, Class of 1969.

Bradley Ellis
San Antonio, TX
Liked
Monday, September 27, 2021

Great coach, mentor and man. So lucky to have known him.

Karen Trigg
Springfield,
Liked
Sunday, September 26, 2021

My prayers are with all of you for the loss of this man so important in your lives, may he rest in peace and may you all take joy. in your heart from your memories

Susan Selby Archer
Cabot, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 25, 2021

God bless this family. The world has lost a good and loving gentleman. Heaven has gained a new Angel. So sorry for your loss.

Annette Williams
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 25, 2021

Sincere condolences to Coach Horton's family. He was a great role model for all of us at Little Rock Central High. One of the last of his generation of great educators. He and his wife gave so much to the Little Rock Public Schools. Greatly missed, but fondly remembered.

Annette Williams, Class of 1961

Bruce R Bailey
Plano, TX
Liked
Saturday, September 25, 2021

My sincere condolences to the family of Coach Horton. Coach impacted my life from the moment we met at LRCH in 72', I was his track manager for three years and we had a close bond. He taught me many life lessons, as well as making me a better driver. I have many great memories of the times we shared over the years; our good relationship lasted always. I will remember him always with love and respect for the strong Christian leader he was. Coach was very accomplished in his life, but he was always the same strong, friendly personality. He loved us all dearly with his words and deeds, and gave of his time and talent freely on and off the field. May God bless you all!