Funeral services for Retired SFC Joe Ford Horton 82, of Killeen, TX will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of Deliverance and Praise Church of God in Christ, Harker Heights, TX. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Viewing will be held one-hour prior to the service (10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) at the church.

Joe Ford Horton was born on September 9, 1943, in Fayetteville, Tennessee, to the late James Horton, Sr. and Daisy Bell Ford Horton. He was one of eleven children born into a loving and close-knit family where faith, hard work, and perseverance were instilled from an early age. He passed away May 5, 2026, in Killeen, TX.

Brother Horton answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army on February 19, 1962. He honorably served for twenty-two years with dedication, courage, and distinction before retiring on August 1, 1984. During his distinguished military career, he was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Hood, Texas; and Fort Carson, Colorado, while also completing overseas assignments in Korea and Vietnam.

On May 25, 1968, Joe married the love of his life, Mrs. Carol J. Horton, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Their union was built on enduring love, unwavering faith, devotion, and family. Together they created a home filled with warmth, strength, laughter, and cherished memories that would span generations. Through every season of life, their bond remained a beautiful example of commitment, partnership, and unconditional love. From this loving union, they were blessed with three children: Donna, Scott, and Carla, who became the pride and joy of their lives.

Brother Horton accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior as an adult and remained a faithful and devoted servant of the Lord throughout his life. He worshipped faithfully at Bibleway COGIC in Killeen, Texas, where he served under the leadership of Elder Robert R. Ellis, Sr. He later became a member of Live Oak Missionary Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas, before returning to the Killeen area and joining Cathedral of Deliverance and Praise COGIC in Harker Heights, Texas, under the leadership of Bishop LaDell Thomas, Jr.

Brother Horton loved the Lord, his family, and his country. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, reflecting on life's experiences, and sharing wisdom gained through years of service and sacrifice.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Horton, Sr. and Daisy Bell Ford Horton; his beloved wife, Carol J. Horton; and nine siblings.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his brother, devoted children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended relatives, lifelong friends, and all whose lives were touched by his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love.