Jerry Horton

Jerry Donald Horton, 84 years, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026 in Merkel Texas.

Jerry was born at Sadler Clinic in Merkel, Texas to Clarence Ernest Horton and Edna Leona Skurlock Horton on December 13, 1941.  He went to school in Merkel and graduated from Merkel High School in 1959.  He married Audra West Horton on August 16, 1963 in the home of her parents, George and Veda West. 

As a young boy, he worked on the family land with his father learning to plow with a team of horses before his father bought his first tractor.  This tractor is now on display at the Merkel Area Historical Museum.  After graduating, he worked as a farm hand for Dee Laverne Moore.  He also worked for the City of Merkel and as the manager of the Merkel Coop Gin.  Know as “Ollie”, he worked for Taylor County, precinct 2 working on the county roads, retiring on December 20, 2011 after 35 years of service.

He joined the Merkel Volunteer Fire Department in 1966 and served as President and Assistant Fire Chief for many years.  As a fearless firefighter, he fought many acres as they burned in Mulberry Canyon, and in surrounding counties.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Edna Horton, Sister Betty Horton Garrett and husband I. V. Garrett, sister Darlene Horton Hollis and husband Chuck Hollis, Father-in-law George West and Mother in law Veda Hale West.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Audra Horton, sons Wayne and wife Renee Horton of Iowa Park, TX and Chris Horton of Merkel. He has three grandsons, Joey and wife Misty Brown, of Iowa Park, TX, Toby and wife Ashleigh Brown, of Allen, TX. and Cody McCarthy and partner Camille of Boulder, CO and 1 great granddaughter Mackenzie Brown and partner Wendy and 2 great grandsons Austin and Jaxson Brown of Iowa Park, TX.  Two nieces, Ivalene and husband Frank Estes, of Abilene, TX and Lorna and husband David Dipple of Stamford, TX. Brothers-in-law Don and wife Margie West of Abilene, TX, Jerry and Carolyn West of Stith, TX and Jimmy and Sandy West of Abilene, TX as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside serves will be Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:00 am at Rose Hill Cemetery, Merkel, TX.  Visitation will be Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Starbuck Funeral Home. Services are under the direction of Starbuck Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to the Merkel Fire Department, 100 Kent Street, Merkel, TX.

The family of Jerry Horton wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all the staff of the Merkel Nursing Center for the excellent care and compassion they gave to Jerry during his stay at the nursing home.

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