Donald Lee Horton

Donald Horton was born on April 8, 1937, at Noblesville Hospital in Noblesville, Indiana, to Oakley and Marjorie Horton. He spent the early part of his life in Carmel, Indiana, and was the youngest child. His sister, Phyllis Horton Rockhill, was 13 years older. After graduating from Carmel High School, Donald completed the Dale Carnegie Course through the Indiana Institute of Leadership Training, which he later taught for five semesters. Throughout his career, Donald worked for Northern Beach, Reeder and Cline, Woods Wire, and National Airlines in Miami, where he served as assistant superintendent of ground equipment. He also worked for Golden Imperial Oil Company as a manager and management trainee before being promoted to area foreman of 11 stations. He later served as a supervisor for Carmel Clay Schools. Donald married the love of his life, Beverly Layton, on August 2, 1970. They lived at 531 First Avenue Northwest in Carmel. Donald had three children from a previous marriage: Rickie Horton, Lynda Callahan, and Lisa Rinder. Donald and Beverly had three children together: Gwendolyn, who lived for 21 hours, Theodore, and Anthony. Donald and Beverly moved to Florida in July 1978, where he accepted a position with the Lee County School Board. He began in the carpet and flooring department and was later promoted to area foreman for custodial facilities. Within a year, he became supervisor of all sites and equipment, a position he held until retiring in 1995. While working for the Lee County School Board, Donald became Director of the Florida School Plant Management Association. He was responsible for 27 counties throughout Southern Florida. He held the position for nine years and sponsored numerous maintenance workshops across the state. During his career, Donald met many influential people, including Governor Lawton Chiles; Secretary of State Jim Smith; Jane Fisher, wife of Carl Fisher, the founder of Miami Beach and the Dixie Highway; Dorothy Carnegie, wife of Dale Carnegie; Tony George, owner of the Indianapolis 500; and racecar driver A.J. Foyt. Donald was active in numerous civic organizations, including the Edison Festival of Light and Bayshore Fire Rescue, where he served as chairman of the board. He was also a director of the Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair, president of an association of area fire chiefs, and a founder and charter member of the Fort Myers Knife Club. He operated the largest knife and cutlery store in Southwest Florida. Born a Quaker, Donald later became a Methodist and joined Olga Fort Myers Shores Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee and an advisor to the youth group. He later became a member of Grace Methodist Church. Donald is survived by his five children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Donald Lee Horton

April 8, 1937 - September 12, 2026