ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Al (Gator) Horton, 56, born on February 21, 1959. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Alfred Lewis Horton III, of Lompoc, CA passed away Thursday, November 19, 2015, at the young age of 56. His warm heart and contageous smile will never be forgotten. 

A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015, from 4 to 7 pm at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary for those who wish to attend.

The memorial service will be held at VAFB Chapel #1 on December 4, 2015 at 11am, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at Cocheo Park (The NCOA Way). 

For those that wish to attend that do not have base access, we will need you to get us your full name, birth date, drivers license number, and drivers license issue state. You will have to stop at visitor center before entering the base so please allow an extra 30-45 minutes for this. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Al “Gator’s” name to Special Olympics. The website is: https://donate.specialolympics.org/secure/make-gift-change-life

 

December 7, 2015
December 7, 2015
I'd like to Thank the Horton Family for sharing Al with all of us. Gator was like a ray of sunshine. No matter what kind of mood I may have been in, just being around him brought a smile to my face. He had a heart of gold and the world was a better place because he was in it. I will carry fond memories of him as long as I live. He will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Horton Family and all those who cared about Al.
December 1, 2015
December 1, 2015
Barb and Family,
 We are so sorry for your loss. Al was truly one of the best human beings we have ever had the chance to know. He will be greatly missed by us all. So sorry for your loss and we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks for sharing him with us through the years! Love you guys!

Sincerely,
Minnette and Dave Bohlander
November 28, 2015
November 28, 2015
Thanks Gator for all of your support of the Special Olympics. I am grateful for you. What a great man!
November 27, 2015
November 27, 2015
I first got to know Big Al in 1986 when he taught me as a young Airman in the Air Force. He was a talented Airman himself and an even better man. He took care of his business and his people no matter what was going on. The best part was that he always did it with a smile. Al will be missed but continue to live on through the collective memories of all those who knew him. All my best to his family and extended family.

Chris Thurlow
November 27, 2015
November 27, 2015
Al was a great man with an incredible level of patience, wisdom and compassion and the world was a better place for having him in it. 18 years ago Al talked me into reenlisting and giving the Air Force another try at the NCO level. He was instrumental in helping me understand that I didnt have to be just a cog in the machine, but that I could help build a better machine as a leader, mentor and innovator. He loved his country, he loved the Air Force, he understood and loved the nuclear deterrence mission and he worked incredibly hard to keep them all healthy. He took our best young airmen and NCOs and got them involved with things like the NCOA and the Special Olympics and gave them another purpose in helping others. I think helping a young person find a purpose in something greater than themselves is one of the best things a person can do in this world and Al Horton did that for many. 

Thank you Al for all the influence you had on so many. That influence is a big part of your amazing legacy. You made a positive and lasting impact.

My condolences to the Horton family. My family and I are praying and will continue to pray for you.
November 27, 2015
November 27, 2015
Dear Horton Family,

  I am so sorry for this great loss. Al was a great man and an amazing NCO. Al was a good friend and his loss creates an empty spot that nobody can ever fill. God be with you all.

Sincerely
Tom Fair
November 26, 2015
November 26, 2015
Some folks pass and few people notice. Some pass and everyone notices. Al was definitely the latter. Everyone that knew him was better for it. He was a man that stood for what he believed in and cared for others. He left his mark on many, many people and left a legacy to be proud of.

To Barb and the Family,

Now is the time to remember Al for the great things that he was to you and to all of us. The Gorndt's will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
November 26, 2015
November 26, 2015
Al you were a great man will always cherish the memories
November 26, 2015
November 26, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are being sent on the winds to you all. May God give you all peace and know you are loved by Him. Wishing you all to find that Al lives in your heart and the memories, in those moments he will never be far from you. 
Love and Hugs,
Penny
November 25, 2015
November 25, 2015
Charlene an I are so very sorry to hear of your loss, your Daddy will always be SPECIAL to us, great memories. PRAYERS YOUR WAY!
November 25, 2015
November 25, 2015
Barb, We were all truly blessed to Know Al. He had such a huge impact on our lives and We are grateful to you for sharing him with us. He will forever be in our hearts . I am so sorry for your loss and I am keeping you and your family close in thought and prayer. We Love you !

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Recent Tributes
December 7, 2015
December 7, 2015
I'd like to Thank the Horton Family for sharing Al with all of us. Gator was like a ray of sunshine. No matter what kind of mood I may have been in, just being around him brought a smile to my face. He had a heart of gold and the world was a better place because he was in it. I will carry fond memories of him as long as I live. He will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Horton Family and all those who cared about Al.
December 1, 2015
December 1, 2015
Barb and Family,
 We are so sorry for your loss. Al was truly one of the best human beings we have ever had the chance to know. He will be greatly missed by us all. So sorry for your loss and we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks for sharing him with us through the years! Love you guys!

Sincerely,
Minnette and Dave Bohlander
November 28, 2015
November 28, 2015
Thanks Gator for all of your support of the Special Olympics. I am grateful for you. What a great man!
Recent stories
November 26, 2015

Al was by far and away the best boss I ever had.  He really did care about us and would have done anything for us.  I knew while my husband was on his year remote if I needed anything all I had to do was ask.
I am so sad that he lost his battle with cancer and that I won't be there for his memorial.  I know the NCOA will send him in a great way.  My thoughts and prayers will be his family. 

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