HORTON, LaVonn Esther (Gordon) 1926-2015

HORTON, GORDON

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/1/2016 at 23:01:32

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - LaVonn Esther Horton, 90, formerly of Osage, Fairfield, and Iowa City, passed away on Nov. 20, 2015, at the Johanna Shores Presbyterian Home in St. Paul, Minn. Her life and faith will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Dec. 19, 2015, at Parkview Evangelical Free Church in Iowa City, with the Rev. Steve Rachke officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church. Burial will be at Osage Cemetery in Osage, following the luncheon.

LaVonn was born on February 17, 1925 to Hannah and James Gordon, the youngest of six children. She attended Barnum Community Schools where she graduated in May, 1942. LaVonn attended the University of Iowa where she met her husband, Philip, and graduated with a B.S. in Commerce in June, 1948.

She was united in marriage to Dr. Philip Starr Horton on September 1, 1946, in Barnum. The family lived in Osage for 20 years, where Dr. Horton practiced dentistry and they raised four children. LaVonn was devoted to her family and was dearly loved. She was a choir director for 11 years at the First Baptist Church in Osage and active in her community. The family moved to Iowa City in 1970 where Dr. Horton taught at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. LaVonn and Phil lived in Iowa City for 25 years prior to residing in Fairfield from 1995-2000, where they were members of the First United Methodist Church.

LaVonn and Philip served as volunteer missionaries in Thailand, Hong Kong and Africa over the course of 10 years under the auspices of Rotary International. She also volunteered at a nursing home in Iowa City, playing piano for the residents. LaVonn composed vocal music and poetry, and was a nearly 60 year member of P.E.O.

She is survived by her children, Dr. Douglas (Patti) Horton of Cedar Rapids, John (Tammy) Horton of Topeka, Kan., Jeannine Wiegert of St. Paul, Minn., and Steve (Merrilee) Horton of St. Paul, Minn.; along with seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

LaVonn was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Philip; her parents Hannah and James Gordon; sister Leola of Ft. Dodge; and brothers, Franklin, Vernon, Lawrence and Marion.

Memorials may be given to Parkview Evangelical Free Church of Iowa City, Iowa or to the First Baptist Church of Osage, Iowa.

Source: Mitchell County Press-News

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