Theodore J. Horton Jr.

Mr. Theodore John “Ted” Horton, Jr., age 66, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family.

Ted was born in Flint, Michigan, on October 10, 1958, to Ted, Sr. & Doris Mae Horton (Coon). He was raised alongside his siblings in the Millington area and attended the Spring Hill schoolhouse from K-8 and then Millington High School. Ted joined the United States Marine Corps and honorably served for 4 years. Upon his return from the service he began work in various construction companies until his retirement. Ted was a true outdoorsman and loved all that Michigan had to offer. He was an avid fisherman and deer hunter. He enjoyed making his own maple syrup and spending time on the water in his kayak. He also loved to travel and see all the sites in America. Ted also liked to ride his motorcycle, drive his Camaro, and cut trees for firewood. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Ted spent most of his childhood on our farm, located on Hart Lake Road. The neighborhood, at the time consisted of three homes, one being ours, the other neighbors were the Peltonen's who had nine children, the other belonged to the Fosket's, who had six children. Our families all liked one another and visited when we could. We also shared of children on several occasions. We were the only active farmers as it just made more sense to me, to have the kids to our house.

Kids got their chores done, and we had endless softball & basketball games, tags, and a lot of tomfoolery going on. Homes need laughter, fun, noise, and good times to be a good place stay. Ted attended Springhill school, as we did as kids. The luxuries of indoor bathrooms were added by then. All the rurals consolidated with the other, larger schools. Millington got Springhill kids and soon school buses arrived. My sisters, Margeret Fall and Nancy LaBean also married and had children. So we spent a lot of time sharing kids, laughter, and visits.

We were the first to move away from the Millington Area. This is where Ted perfected his fishing and hunting skills. He got his indian heritage from his grandmother, Marjorie Coon and his mother, Doris Horton; registered members of the Bad River Chippewa Indians. He is our son. May his guardian eagle lead him to his final rest in the hands of our perfect Lord, where he can reside forever.

He is survived by his parents, Ted, Sr. and Doris Horton; grandchildren: Christian Kelly, Kalista Nickole (Joey Sexton), Ashleigh Marie, and Jonathan Eugene Eckel; siblings: Dawn (Dan) Redman, Greg Horton, Gerald Horton, and Eric (Mandy) Horton; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Ted was preceded in death by his daughter, Shawn Marie Eckel; and brother, Dennis Horton.

Ted’s family will receive visitors at Hanlin Funeral Home – Millington from 3 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Funeral services for Ted will follow at the funeral home at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025; additional visiting from 12 p.m. until the time of service. Afterwards, Ted will receive military funeral honors and be laid to rest in Millington Twp. Cemetery. Lunch to follow at Gather Event Center (340 S. Main St, Vassar 48768).

Kindly share a memory with Ted's family in the guestbook below.

Ted and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Millington. 4823 Main St, 48746. (989) 871-4591.

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