William Howard Horton

William HortonSmithfield/Circleville, Utah

William “Howard” Horton passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, in Provo, Utah, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 13, 1944, to William “Bill” and Arthea (Whittaker) Horton and was the middle child of three. He grew up in Circleville, Utah, where his life was forever changed when he met his sweetheart, Carol.

Their story began when he was just six and she was five. With a silver dollar in his pocket, he took her to the movies—and from that moment on, their hearts were bound together. Carol always said, “I’ve loved him since I was five,” and that love grew into a beautiful, lifelong relationship.

Howard served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Alaskan Canadian Mission. Upon returning, he married his beloved Carol in the Manti Utah Temple on September 8, 1967. In 1969, he was drafted and served his country with honor in Vietnam, where he earned the Bronze Star for his service.

Together, Howard and Carol raised five children: Heather, Travis, Ryan, Doug, and Holly. He worked alongside his father running a cattle ranch in Circleville, Utah—a place dear to his heart. When their oldest daughter, Heather, became ill, they made the difficult but necessary move to Amalga, Utah to be closer to the University of Utah Hospital. There, in 1980, they found a new community filled with friends who became like family.

Howard earned his bachelor’s degree in Range Science from Utah State University and worked for the USDA/ARS in Range Management. He became a well-respected expert in range grasses and loved sharing his knowledge with colleagues, neighbors, and anyone needing a hand. While employed with the ARS, he made two trips to China, one to Jordan, and various visits to places across the United States, teaching and sharing his knowledge of rangeland grasses and management. He especially loved gardening and found great joy in sharing it with others.

A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Howard served faithfully in many callings within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—including as bishop (twice) and as stake president of the Benson Utah Stake. He had a deep and abiding love for his Savior and loved to share his testimony and the gospel with others. Later in life, he and Carol served a mission at the Martin and Willie Handcart Site, cherishing the opportunity to share pioneer stories and the legacy of faith.

His favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, gardening, jeep rides, golfing, and spending winters in Yuma, Arizona. But his greatest joy came from time spent with Carol, their children, and beloved grandchildren. He was a builder—of things and of people—and was always quick to lend a hand, whether pouring cement for a neighbor or tackling a project for one of his kids.

Howard leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and unwavering love that will continue to bless generations. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Bill and Arthea Horton, and his cherished daughter, Heather Horton. He is survived by his dear wife, Carol, and their four children: Travis (Kareena) Horton, Ryan (Ashley) Horton, Doug (Emily) Horton, and Holly (Danny) Hansen. He also leaves behind his two loving sisters, Sandra Fraleigh and Terry (Kenneth) Heaton. Howard was a proud grandfather to 19 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to 7, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy and pride. His influence and love will be felt in their lives forever.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 10th at 12:00 PM at the Smithfield 26th Ward Chapel, located at 640 North 200 East in Smithfield, Utah. A visitation with the family will take place prior to the service, beginning at 10:30 AM. Graveside services will follow on Friday, April 11th at 12:00 PM at the Circleville Cemetery in Circleville, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund—or simply take your kids or grandkids fishing.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook www.maglebymortuary.com

Zoom link for Thursday Services https://zoom.us/j/91291916855