Alfred Lewis Horton III, was born February 21, 1959, to Alfred and Phyllis Horton in New Haven, Connecticut. He was raised in Tipp City, Ohio and graduated from Tippecanoe High School in 1977. After graduating he earned an Associate’s Degree in Horticulture and worked in the landscape, nursery business until 1981.

Anyone who knew him knows that he loved serving his country throughout his military career. He joined the Air Force in 1981 and was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. During his years of service, he was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base and retired as a SMSgt in 2004 at Edwards Air Force Base. Al faithfully served for 23 years as what the Promotion Fitness Examination Study Guide calls “a silent warrior” in the Air Force’s oldest strategic force. Al loved being a missileer so much that he then returned to Vandenberg Air Force Base and finished out his civilian career as a Supervisor, Logistics Management Specialist Maintenance and Technical Advisor with 576 FLTS.

Some of Al’s career highlights and decorations include: winning of the “Best Power, Refrigeration, & Electric Team in SAC” during the Olympic Arena competition in 1992, the Cold War Victory resulting in the deactivation of the ICBM Minuteman II weapon system at Ellsworth, and being Chapter Chairman and recognized as a Knight, Order of Excalibur with his local Noncommissioned Officer’s Association (NCOA) Pacific Surf Chapta’ 62. In addition to being a member of the NCOA, Al was also a proud member of the American Legion post 125 in Lompoc, CA. Some of his decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with the three oak leaf clusters; the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster; the Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster; the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star; the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal; and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with four oak leaf clusters. 

While Al loved the military, there is one thing that Al loved more and that was his Family. He married his beautiful wife Barb Horton in 1985 and raised his children Dustin Mitzel and Amber Kodad. He was a devoted and loving husband and father, whose family’s happiness and well- being was by far his greatest accomplishment. Al always made sure they knew how much he loved all of them. He dedicated a large portion of his life to making sure his children had every opportunity to do what they loved to do. He spent countless hours coaching sports team, helping with school projects, and even watching chick flicks just to be able to spend more time with his children. Once his children were grown, Al got the privilege of becoming a fun loving grandfather (aka Papa) who loved to spoil his grandchildren, Nico and Elena.

Al had one of the most contagious smiles and biggest hearts. Outside of his family, his friends meant the world to him. Al was lucky enough to meet some of the most amazing people throughout his lifetime. He treated his friends like they were his family and anyone that was friends with him knows that there wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t do for them. 

One of Al’s greatest passions was being a volunteer for Special Olympics. Not only was he head of security for 20 years, but he also became friends with many of the athletes and looked forward to watching them succeed year after year. In his spare time Al loved spending time with family, friends, and camping (usually accompanied by a Miller Lite).

In February 2015, Al was diagnosed with lung cancer. He fought extremely long and hard to beat this ugly disease but it eventually claimed his life on November 19, 2015. He was one of the most kind-hearted and giving people you could ever meet. Al (Gator) will always hold a very special place in everyone hearts. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.