John “Johnny” Ernest Horton, TSgt., USAF
1965 – August 07, 2002

HORTON, John Ernest TSgt– entered into rest August 7, 2002 while serving his Country during an exercise at Ft. Hunter Liggett, King City, CA. Beloved son of John D. Horton and Joann Horton. Beloved step-son of Marilyn Horton and step-grandson of Dorothy Hereth. Loving brother of Susan Romack. Loving uncle of Nicholas Roti and Lindsey Romack. Loved and cherished by fiancée Kimberly Avery, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A native of San Jose, CA age 37 years and a graduate of Lynbrook High School, Class of 1984. TSgt Horton served as a Pararescueman (PJ) with the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Federal Airfield, CA. His service included deployments to Turkey and Kuwait in support of Operations Northern and Southern Watch, Uruguay and Iceland to train foreign rescue forces; and Spain to provide rescue alert services in support of the NASA Space Shuttle Program.

TSgt Horton has also been involved in 20 operational rescue missions for the State of California to include long-range oceanic parachute jump missions resulting in saving the lives of 15 people. His service to the California Air National Guard and the United States Air Force epitomized the mission of the 129th Rescue Wing, succinctly depicted in the motto “”These Things We Do, That Others May Live”.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, August 13, 2002 at Oak Hill Funeral Home, 300 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, CA. Friends are invited to attend Memorial Services 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at Valley Church, 10885 N. Stelling Rd., Cupertino, CA. Interment will follow at OAK HILL MEMORIAL PARK, San Jose, CA. Donations in lieu of floral gifts may be made to the 129th Rescue Member Foundation, P.O. Box 103, Moffett Federal Airfield, CA. 94035-0103 or a charity of your choice.

Published in San Jose Mercury News on Aug. 13, 2002