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Thomas Clifford Horton, Sr., born Jan. 23, 1916 in Venus, NM died Dec. 29, 2001 in Edgewood, three miles from his place of birth. Born to Claude Clifford and Ethel Madole Horton who homesteaded north of Edgewood in 1908. He is survived by his love of 64 years, Rita Shook Horton; son, Tom C. Jr.; daughter, Rita Loy Simmons and husband, Jarrod; Sharron Geilenfeldt and husband, Richard; grandchildren, Jim, Leslie, Mike, Mary, Clair, Lee Ann and Tom III; nine great-grandchildren; and brother, Roy C. Horton. His parents; sister, Bernice; brothers, John and Bob preceded him in death. Tom, who said he was just a farmer, listened very closely to his God-given guidance and had the courage to follow the stewardship plan laid out for him. Country education was followed by Menaul School. Tuition was two or three sacks of beans and a promise of a side of beef. He matured at his beloved school where he learned math, construction, communication and carpentry skills. He was an All-State football star; placed third in track, and lettered in basketball. He attended UNM a while. Upon marriage, December 27, 1937, they moved to a family farm and raised their first bean crop in what is now known as El Cielo Azul on HWY 344. On October 1, 1941, Tom bought his dream farm at the foot of the San Pedro Mt. They named it"Broken Arrow Ranch". Sometimes it was more broke than not, but so were other farmers and ranchers. WWII was spent supporting the war effort with beans, hogs, and milk for Brauns Army Hospital. He taught returning veterans new farming techniques and welding. Never content to stand by, he jumped in the middle of progress, helping to get roads paved, formation of Edgewood soil district, and a driving force in the formation of Central NM Electric Co-Op. Drought forced him into another line of work to support the family and the ranch. He spent the next 15 years with the Presbyterian Board of National Missions. Financially challenged projects were his specialty. He built Sage Memorial Hospital at Ganado, AZ, various buildings at Menaul School, plus other locations in the West including Alaska. When he had an extra dime, he drilled a well. He owned three miles of post holes, Entranosa Water Corp. was financed with wheat crops and calf sales. Why walk when you can run? Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2002 and services will be Saturday, January 5, 2002, 11:30 a.m., at French Mortuary - Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE. Burial will be at the Mountain Valley Cemetery in Barton. The family invite friends and family to Tom & Rita's home.
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