Master Trooper John Horton

Master Trooper John Sumter Horton, 42, passed away in the line of duty January 3, 2022. John was born on November 17, 1979 in Rutherfordton, NC, to Leslie and Martha Horton who reside in Forest City, NC.

John bravely served as a Master Trooper for the North Carolina Highway Patrol for 15 years. Above all else, he loved God and his family. His daily desire was to share the love of Christ and the message of the cross.  He was a past member of Holly Springs Baptist Church and an active member of Drury Dobbins Baptist Church.

Besides his parents, those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife and high school sweetheart, Ashley Houser Horton; children, Liliana, Sumter, Gunner, Slade, Avalyn, and Huxley Horton; siblings, Briana Reid, Nick Horton, and Joseph Horton and many other extended family members.

Receiving of friends will be held at the Foundation Performing Arts Center at Isothermal Community College in Spindale, NC from 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM on Friday, January 7th.  The funeral service will immediately follow at 5:00 PM with full patrol honors. A private burial with honors will be conducted for the family. Honorary pallbearers are Leslie Horton, Nick Horton, Joseph Horton, Josh Houser (Deployed), Ernie Horton, Richard Moore, Byron Reid, Janis Niparts and Jake Horton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the benevolent fund for the Family of Master Trooper John S. Horton at the State Employees Credit Union.

The family wishes to thank a long list of people who have come to their aid during this tragedy. Thank you all for the outpouring of love and prayers.