Mark John Horton

Mark Horton was born in 1958 to John Horton a Grayling contractor, and Rose Horton, a storekeeper for the state of Michigan. His family started in Detroit and moved to Grayling in 1960. He lived in Grayling Township for most of his life. Mark was known as a caring person who wanted to help people and made room in his life to reach out to others in need. Mark played an active role in church in Grayling in his youth and supported youth ministries in Michigan. He often played an active role in his friend's lives. He would reach out to his friends that were working through a tough time and remind them that their glass was at least half full and convey his energy for life. An outdoorsman, Mark learned from Fred Bear and was an avid bow hunter in the local fields. He was also a lifelong fisherman and pursued Trout, Salmon, Perch, and even dipped Smelt with gusto. His coffee cup had a Bass printed on the side. Mark played in local pool leagues and reveled in teaching chess and backgammon to his Brother-in-law. Mark was a graduate of Grayling High School and specialized in building trades and machining. Mark also had a knack for sales. Mark spent most of his time around Grayling and sold automobiles, Real Estate, and consumer goods. Mark is survived by his brother Clay, sister Lorraine (Armand) Lawrence, a niece, two nephews, four great nieces, his uncle Howard (Rosemary) Horton, and a large circle of friends. He was a member of the Eagles Club and the American Legion. Mark passed away Saturday evening January 9, 2010. He was visiting with friends and was preparing to go to the Eagle's Club to watch the playoff game. He suddenly lost consciousness and EMS arrived within two minutes. The hospital worked for an hour but he was gone. Heart disease often presents sudden death as the first symptom. Visitation will be held on Friday January 15, 2010 between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Sorenson Lockwood Funeral Home. Funeral services are Saturday January 16, 2010 with visitation at 12:00 and service at 2:00 p.m. The Rev. Don Brigham and Chaplin Art Thayer are officiating. Condolences may be sent to www.sorensonlockwood.com. Memorial contributions may be directed to the AuSable Valley Animal Shelter, 5786 Fairground Lane, Grayling, MI 49738 Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mark John Horton, please visit our flower store.