Fenton Jerome Horton

Fenton Jerome “Jerry” Horton, age 90, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Hays. He was born March 18, 1935, in Salina, Kansas, to Forrest and Thelma (Traylor) Horton.

Jerry lived a life marked by kindness, service, and a curiosity about the world around him. A devoted family man, he found his greatest joy in the relationships he nurtured and the example he set for those he loved.

He graduated from Salina High School in 1953 and later graduated from Washburn University in 1959 with a bachelor of arts degree in economics where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and Young Democrats. On September 9, 1956, Jerry married Dixie (Patterson) in Salina. Together they built a loving home and shared more than 62 years of marriage before her passing on January 19, 2019.

Jerry devoted more than 40 years to State Farm, working as an insurance adjuster before joining the agency’s disaster team prior to retiring. His work ethic, compassion, and willingness to help others during times of crisis defined his professional life. These qualities reflected his deep sense of responsibility to both his family and community, and he modeled these values for his children and future generations.

An active and adventurous spirit, Jerry embraced a wide range of hobbies throughout his life. He enjoyed woodworking, photography, archaeological digs, volunteering at the Sternberg Museum, riding motorcycles, birdwatching, camping, and traveling. He was an avid golfer and a competitive target shooter with the Hays City Sportsman Club, always appreciating both the challenge and camaraderie these activities provided.

Service to others was central to Jerry’s life. He was a Boy Scout leader, a member of the Optimist Club, and a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served in several capacities as a church elder and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. His kindness extended to all living creatures. Throughout his life, he provided a loving home for numerous pets, demonstrating the gentle and caring nature that touched everyone who knew him. He also served on the boards of the Humane Society of the High Plains and the Community Assistance Center and volunteered with the American Red Cross. Jerry’s patriotism was evident early in life when he enlisted in the National Guard at the age of 14—an act that required a letter from his father because of his young age and one that spoke to his early commitment to service.

Jerry is survived by his loving children: daughter Laura Kolb (Kelvin) of Hays, son Frank Horton (Karla) of Nashville, Tennessee, daughter Lisa Hendershott (Ronnie) of Hays, son David Horton (Chris) of Phoenix, Arizona, and daughter Linda Street (Steve Froelich) of Gardner, Kansas; his sister, Diantha Kerbs of Auburn, Washington; his grandchildren, Amy Horton of Phoenix, Arizona, Caitlyn Hendershott (Timothy Reeves) of Lawrence, Kansas, Brian Street (Brittany Newacheck) of Hays, Madison Horton (Brad Vanek) of Tucson, Arizona, Darla Horton (Brandon Parsons) of Nashville, Tennessee, and Blair Gasper (Dylan) of Hallam, Nebraska; great-grandchildren, Spencer Axelson, Lillian Reeves, Rowan Gasper, and Reed Gasper; and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dixie; and his brother, Forrest Horton Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, with memorial visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time, all at the First Presbyterian Church in Hays, 2900 Hall Street. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, Kansas 67601.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains or the First Presbyterian Church of Hays.

Please share memories and words of comfort on Jerry’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com