Daren Gene Horton, age 75, of Miles City passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Billings Clinic in Billings.
Daren was born in Billings, Montana on June 18, 1945, the Merriman and Dolores (Beals) Horton. He joined two sisters, Sharon and Karen.
Daren’s early years were spent in Forsyth, Montana , in Greeley and Granby, Colorado and in National City, California. The family returned to Billings in the mid-1950’s, where Daren ultimately graduated from Billings West High School and was proud to have been a member of its first graduating class. Daren joined the Marines in the summer before his senior year of high school, and he was able to complete almost a year of his obligation before reporting to boot camp in June of 1963.
He graduated from Eastern Montana College (now MSUB) in 1968 with a major in mathematics and began his teaching career in Sidney, Montana. In 1970 he moved to Miles City to work at CCDHS and stayed there until his retirement in 2004. He also coached Miles City’s tennis teams for some 22 years, an activity he greatly enjoyed. Daren loved working with kids, both in the classroom and on the tennis court, and he was glad to share his memories in entertaining stories. He met his wife while student teaching in Miles City and they spent 51 years together.
Daren was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Roberta, his sisters Sharon (Jay) Chalgren and Karen (Bill) Schroeder, by eleven cousins, and by a host of friends.
Visitation is scheduled for Monday, January 18, 2021 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Burial will take place in Wisconsin in the summer. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday January 18, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday January 18, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, MT
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Bob and Pam Holland says
Roberta, Pam and I were shocked to see the notice of Daren’s death So many practices, road trips and memories through the years we worked together. Pam and I still smile about the almost every Sunday morning three sets of doubles during John’s senior yea–lots of fun and no quarter taken. You will be remembered in our thoughts and prayers. Bob , Pam and John Holland
Denise Harvey says
Roberta,
We have lost a wonderful member of our community and our education system. We appreciate all you and Daren have done for our students and our community. Take care and may you be blessed with comfort of cherished memories.
Jay and Denise Harvey
John Holland says
Roberta,
I am so sorry to hear of Daren’s passing. I loved having him as a coach, and will always remember those weekend three sets of doubles during my time in high school and especially Senior year. I appreciate all he helped me with both on and off the court. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Holland
Gina (Martin) Mader says
Mrs. Horton,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Cheryl Rainey Yasuda says
Mrs. Horton, you and Mr. Horton were some of my teachers I remember very fondly. You were so kind to me and were wonderful mentors. May sweet memories comfort you at this trying time. Love from Cheryl Rainey Yasuda
Jan Munroe says
Roberta, I am very sorry to hear of Daren’s passing. My prayers are with you as you go through this life change. Jan
Wendy Willson says
Dear Robbie, I was so sad to hear about Daren. As a first cousin and older by a couple years we made many memories at Grandma Beals home in Forsyth. My family sends their love to you. Wendy Beals Willson
Linda Polich says
Rob,
So sorry for your loss. What fun memories JP and I have of playing tennis with Daren and Richard.
With our love and prayers,
John and Linda
Jack Regan says
Roberta,
I was so saddened to hear of Daren’s death. I was my honor to know Daren in three different ways as fellow teacher, counselor and administrator. He was always the consummate professional and always put his students first. I always enjoyed our conversations about classes and the tennis team. He was one of the core teachers who helped make our faculty a true professional family. I hope you know I will always keep Daren in my prayers. God bless and keep you!
Jack Regan
Brenda Martin says
Oh Roberta, the tears I have for the struggle, pain, and loss. I pray for comfort and peace for you now.
scott Jens and Sue Jens says
Dear Rob,
Sue and I are so sorry for your loss of Daren. We were good friends since the early day’s of the 70’s. We hunted together many times and enjoyed each others company, we also fished together, never forget that day so windy, his little raft was blown to the end of the pond in minutes, we searched frantically for a rock for an anchor. No luck until he noticed the only rock around was under his 72 chevy truck, we laughed and then went on to catch a barrel full of fish. Oh such good memories, playing ping pong in my basement for hours at a time and talking about his porsha in the garage he was going to put back together, oh what fun it was. We taught school together for decades, played tennis and just had great times. Sue and I send our love and prayers to you, never forget.
Pam Rogge says
Roberta, I am so sorry to hear of Daren’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time and in the days ahead.
Michelle Carda says
Roberta I am so sorry for your loss!
Jim and Linda Simonsen says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Jim has many fond memories of bus trips with Daren. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Darbie Karch says
Roberta so sorry for your loss. Mr. Horton was one of a kind and will be sorely missed. One of my favorite teachers! 💜
Cathy & Jim Bastian says
We are so sorry! We wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord give you extra strength as you go through these hard days!
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers.
James Arneson says
Roberta, I am saddened to hear this news. It seems like just a week ago I had the opportunity to visit with you both in the Ace Hardware parking lot. Always a smile and friendly greeting from you both. I will miss seeing you two driving around town and on the road by the street to my house just south of town. May the warm memories comfort you know and always. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Shirley Lund says
Roberta, I am saddened to hear of Daren’s death. The years you, Daren and Frank shared at CCDHS evoke many good memories. Also I remember the years we were neighbors on Strevell. My children valued you both as teachers. May God bless you with comfort, peace and cherished memories of your life with Daren. Prayers and love, Shirley
Duane Lund says
Mrs. Horton,
I was sad to here of Mr. Horton’s passing. I remember our first acquaintance as neighbors in Miles City. Of breaking a window accidentally when playing a ball game and Mr. Horton’s understanding. Of the times we talked of cars and rifles. I remember well Mr. Horton’s Algebra 1 class. He was a favorite teacher and always a friend as well. You and Mr. Horton always cared about us students as more than just a class to endure. You showed us a passion for learning that many of us did not fully appreciate until years later when those lessons served us well in our later pursuits. Thank you both for being caring teachers and good friends.
My thoughts and prayers to you Mrs. Horton.
duane
Marjorie Bolejack Anderson says
I have many memories of Mr Horton. I had him for three years and various classes. He had given me the nickname Major B and that was written on many papers. The first computer classes- what a thought! RIP Mr Horton
Destiny Carlson says
Mrs. Horton, sending you thoughts and prayers to you. Mr. Horton was an amazing man with a genuine soul.
Diane Welbes says
Roberta, I wish I had words to lighten your agony but sometimes words are just not enough. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Letke says
Roberta,
I’m so sorry for your great loss of Daren. I have so many good memories of the years we all spent together at CCDHS. May God comfort you and surround you with His love, you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Fred and Vicky Anderson says
Roberta,
I am very sad to hear of Daren’s passing. I was an honor to have worked with him during my years at CCDHS. He was an outstanding teacher, gentleman and true professional. He always kept the best interests of the students as a primary focus.
I look back on the years at CCDHS as some of the best in my career. We had a group of outstanding teachers, counselors, support staff and administration that worked as a team and truly became a family.
Daren will be badly missed but not forgotten.
Jean Jones says
I’m so sorry. Daren was my favorite. Many prayers.
Brenda Pauley Witkowski says
Mrs. Horton,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Horton. I had both of you for teachers in high school. I loved Honors English with you!!! Prayers for comfort in the coming days.
Tammy Mallett Pecha says
Mrs Horton so sorry for your loss.Mr Horton was a great teacher.
Robin Wolff says
I’m so sorry for your Loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brian & Peggy Certain family says
With our sympathy on your loss.
Karen Morris says
Roberta,
I saw this with great sadness . . . so many memories. I remember when you lived just down the street and when both of you were teachers. You both seemed to see us as the adults we would soon become and I believe that made all the difference in the ones we actually did become. It is a legacy of honor. I smile when I think of all the times I saw the two of you out walking or at the store . . . seemed we always managed to find a minute for a chat. Treasure your memories and thank you for sharing him with all of us. I’ll be thinking of you.
Bob Parker says
Roberta, so sad to hear of Darens passing. Will always remember the good times we had through ham radio.
Sincerely, Bob Parker
Patricia M Mott says
Roberta: My heart goes out to you into this difficult time. So sorry this had to happen.
Ted Anderson says
Roberta,
I am so sorry to hear of Daren’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, he was one of my all time favorite coaches and truly a great teacher. He will remain in many hearts forever.
Jackie Walden says
Mrs. Horton, our sympathies to you at this difficult time. I was in your class when you became Mrs!! Jackie Walden
Marilyn & Cliff Schantz says
Roberta,
We are so sorry to hear about Daren. We always enjoyed visiting with him. He was one of a kind. He will be missed. You are in our thoughts. We are so sorry for your loss.
Val Edwards says
We are so sorry for your loss. Your husband was a great teacher. Keep your memories close to you and he will always be there for you
Larry and Val Edwards
Nadine Whitehead says
I am so sorry to hear the passing of Mr Horton. I had both Mr and Mrs Horton for teachers while I was in school. A fond memory of handing out purple bubble gum at the door to all in the class we knew Mr Horton despised it. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family at this difficult time.
Lori says
My heart hurts for your loss. I know Daren wanted to reach your 50th Wedding Anniversary and I am so glad you made it. You both were my favorite teachers and people. Please know you are in my prayers and thoughts.
Lonnye Finneman says
Mrs. Horton,
I was so sad to hear about Coach Horton. He was always the biggest supporter of all of us on his tennis teams. I will remember the bus (and van) trips, many hours at the tennis courts, and his continual support. My thoughts are prayers are with you, and I hope God provides you with some comfort during such a difficult time. I will always have fond memories of Coach Horton.
Sincerely, Lonnye
Joe Whalen says
I’m saddened to hear that we’ve lost such a fine man. Whether it was out of amusement, bemusement, a masochistic tendency, or an abiding devotion to good citizenship, I can’t recall a city council meeting at which you and Daren couldn’t be found seated in back, leaving me every impression that you arrived fully prepared for and engaged with the orders of the day. It was a great comfort to me knowing we live in the same place. I got the same feeling whenever that sweet Porsche 356 was rolled out onto the lawn at the High Plains Classic Car Show in Riverside Park. Godspeed, Daren. And may Peace rush in and deliver lasting comfort to you, Roberta.
Marla Warford says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Amorette Freese Allison says
I remember poor Mr. Horton’s patience as he dealt with someone with no knack for mathematics at all. He was always kind, even when I frustrated him. (I also remember that ‘stache! Ah, the seventies.) Dear Mrs. Horton, I remember you fondly as well, in Special English or whatever they called it. THAT I was good at. I will think of him whenever I tennis comes up in 25 years ago.
Jane Viall says
Roberta (Mrs. Horton), You were both educators for me, and that carried on to the next generation. Mr. Horton spent innumerable hours with me in freshman algebra (split shift back then). I was a “country kid”, and I was a clear frustration for him :), but he never gave up until I “got it”. A few years ago, I was in the halls of CCDHS, as my children also received their high school education at CCDHS!! Mr. Horton saw me and knew right away he had seen me somewhere before (LOL), and asked me who I was. We had a great visit, but I don’t think I thought to express how much he helped me and I then helped a couple of other “country kids” get through high school “in town”. You, Mrs. Horton, also became a favorite in the family so many years later!! Thank you for the legacy. Jane Brown
Johna Zinda Dobie Wilcox says
Dear Mrs Horton-
I am so, so sorry to learn of your loss. I lost my husband Marty Wilcox five years ago and I know how devastating it is. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You were a huge, positive impact on my life and I am forever grateful to you.
Johna Zinda Dobie Wilcox
Brad and Sherri Henderson says
We were so sorry to hear about Daren’s passing. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lillian Ostendorf says
Roberta, I am so sorry to learn of Daren’s passing. I remember when you were just engaged. You made a wonderful couple and great teachers. We send you our deep condolences.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf
Thana Nightingale Fischer says
I remember you both as young teachers and newlyweds. We were so grateful to have your youthful energy, bright eyes and kind smiles added to the curriculum at CCHS. Thank you for your good spirits and dedication to our education. Blessings on your future days as you go solo for a time. Remember, Roberta, you are always supported by those you have loved… this is never limited by time or space.
Pam Bovee says
Sorry to hear of Mr. Horton’s passing. Great teacher.
Kim Wheadon says
Sorry to hear of Mr Hortons passing, the last visit that we three had was wonderful. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this next chapter of your life.
mike mangen says
Sorry for your loss. I remember Darren as a ham, had some great times.
Mike
Raylynn Sleight says
Sending my deepest condolences, Mrs. Horton. I hope you can feel peace in the coming days.
Rhonda Bowers says
So sorry to hear of Mr. Horton’s passing. I loved his dry humor. Truly a very kind man. RIP
Vicki (Haynes) Larson says
Mrs. Horton,
I’m sorry to hear of Mr. Horton’s passing. I enjoyed both of you very much as teachers while in high school. My the peace of Christ be with you.
Vicki (Haynes) Larson
Alisa Goodrich says
Mrs. Horton,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and Mr. Horton were 2 of my favorite teachers. I appreciated the help you both have given me. You are in my prayers.
Alisa Trimmer Goodrich
Cyndi (Sturdevant) LaFayette says
My sincere condolences for your loss. He may be gone, he will never be forgotten. God Bless You Mrs. Horton and the entire family.
Kami Finneman Doughty says
Mrs. Horton,
I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Horton’s passing. Although I didn’t have him as a teacher at the high school, I was fortunate enough to have him coach me all 4 years of my CCDHS tennis career. The memories are all fond ones, and his sweet smile, and gentle laughter were a bonus. Please know that the community mourns him along side you. Many prayers for God’s comfort.
Jean Jones says
Mr. Horton was one of my favorites. Always a smile and wonderful humor. So sorry for your loss.
Barb Albers says
Roberta, we are so saddened by Darren’s passing. We will remember him fondly.
Tom and Barb
Kellie Kimball says
Mr. Horton and Mr. Stabio are my favorite math teachers from high school. Mr. Horton always called on me when I was daydreaming in algebra. In a split second, I scanned the chalkboard, guessed the question, and gave an answer. I credit Mr. Horton with my ability to earn a BS of mathematics later in life. Thank you for being a conscientious teacher.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
From the Strevell house, to after school meetings, to coffee and tea at the hospital, phone calls, to the love of old Blazers, there were nothing but great memories with Daren and Roberta. Daren may not be with us, but he will never be forgotten. May the good memories help you in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and remember we are only a call away.
Damian Corbin says
Dear Mrs.Horton,
I am just so sorry to hear that Mr. Horton passed away. It’s been quite a while since you were my English teacher, but I can remember well how loved you both were by all of the students. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Kind regards,
Damian Corbin Jenkins
Damian Corbin says
Dear Mrs.Horton,
I am just so sorry to hear that Mr. Horton passed away. It’s been quite a while since you were my English teacher, but I can remember well how loved you both were by all of the students. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Kindest regards,
Damian Corbin Jenkins
Charlie and Margaret Brown says
Roberta, we were so sorry to hear about Daren’s passing. We enjoyed visiting with him. He was so pleasant. Tyrel really enjoyed him as a coach and you in Honors English. May God give you strength and wonderful memories bring you comfort.
Laurie Paladichuk says
Roberta,
I am so sorry for your loss. Daren will be missed by so many. I will especially miss his dry sense of humor (that took me so long to recognize and appreciate).
Tom and Barb Finneman says
We are saddened to hear about Daren. He was always very complimentary about our kids. We always enjoyed visiting with him. Thoughts and prayers are with you Roberta.
Bill Chalgren says
Aunt Robbie,
My condolences to you on the loss of Uncle Daren. Daren and I would talk on our mutual birthday after exchanging birthday greetings. Many times Daren would say “I heard you just moved. How do you like it?” Regardless of my response I could count on him saying “When people ask where are are from tell them Montana!”. I am glad he lived where he loved.
He will be missed.
Bill
June Zeeh says
Dear Robbie,
I am so sorry to hear of Daren’s passing. I always remember fondly the good times we all had when student teaching in Miles City. May God bless you and comfort you in your loss.
Love,
June Zeeh
Tracy says
Mrs. Horton, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Horton was my tennis coach all through high school. He always was so supportive and pushed me to get out of my comfort zone. He will be missed by many. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Tracy Uden
Allen Kelm says
Roberta, I was shocked, and then saddened when I heard of the passing of Daren. There was a man that was so much more than just a teacher of math. I remember that he would stay late to help students, including myself, that needed a little extra help. This type of compassion and style of teaching with dedication changed my whole outlook on High School and beyond. He was a role model to many a student and one that many looked up to. The stopping by to chat and see how the house was progressing and what we were working on next will be missed.
May he be as good of a guardian angel to the family and you, as he was a teacher and mentor to all his students. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to you and the family during this difficult time. Hope to see you on your walk abouts around town.
Brooke says
Mrs. Horton,
I am sorry for your loss. I don’t think I have seen two peas more of a pod! You were both great teachers to so many youth.
Kris Holmlund says
You were my favorite math teacher ever. Still remember qBasic, kinda. My hugs go out to all those you leave behind. Be at peace friend.
Karen Elliot says
Roberta,
Thoughts and prayers are being sent to comfort you during your loss of Darin. Remember him in ham radio with Jim. Jim passed this past Nov. Perhaps they are together talking over old times…
Karen Elliot
Erika Swanson says
So sorry for your loss, Roberta. He was a fine educator and I always loved knowing you two had each other. I’m grateful for his patience in both math and programming. Miles City was lucky to have him.
Candee says
Fond memories of CCDHS include pranking you. I also wondered if you knew it was us knocking on your classroom door and calling out, “Mr Horton!” while we ran and hid before you opened the door. 😁You were always one of my favorite teachers. I don’t know how you did it, but you actually made math class something I looked forward to attending and never “skipped” it. You will be missed!
Mary Beth Willems O’Loughlin says
Mrs. Horton – I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Horton was one of my math teachers in high school. He helped bring about my love of math. I’m grateful for his teaching. You were always my favorite teacher in high school & I remember how much you cared. Thank you.
Mike Kurtz says
Mrs. Horton, my deep condolences for the loss of your partner in life. I have many fond memories of him from our days on the tennis courts. What a great champion he was for that program, leading us to not only a state title, but teaching more subtle, valuable lessons along the way. I also owe him a debt for launching me off on my own calling, as a clinical psychologist, him being the teacher of my very first class in the subject. Only God knows each of the many ripples we make in life and how those branch to touch the lives of countless others down the line and across the years, but we can undoubtedly be confident and filled with warmth that your husband, good old Mr. Horton, made great use of his journey and indeed touched many, many lives for the better. God bless.
Ian Geering says
Mrs Horton,
I’m so sorry to hear this news and send my deepest condolences. Darren was a great teacher, coach and role model. His quirky smile and killer mustache! We were all so fortunate to learn from such a unique genuine soul. I always loved seeing you guys out on your “Sunday drives”. I think maybe that’s the best lesson he taught me. Never said a word, but seeing you two made an impact. Salute to a great man.
Garth Sleight says
Roberta, I am so sorry to hear of Daren’s passing. All my best at this sad, sad time.
Susan Moreno says
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Horton’s passing. .He really pushed me to do better in Algebra and I was so determined to get the A! He was a great teacher even though he could not tolerate grape anything, lol. He was tough but fair. Will always remember both of you as excellent educators! Thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Liz & Nick Filler says
Dear Mama Horton,
Our deepest sympathy for you and your loss. I hope that you can find peace in your happiest memories. You are in our thoughts.
Liz (Norsby) and Nick Filler
DeEtta Walker says
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Horton’s passing. I was reminiscing with my husband, Scott Walker, just the other night about how he was my favorite Math teacher (class of 1981). He really helped me understand Algebra/Math which I have used in my career in finance all these years. He truly was a wonderful teacher.
DeEtta (Maasch) Walker
Marcia Miller says
Robbie, I am so sorry about Daren. I never saw an obituary in the newspaper. Our sympathies go out to you. Dave and Marcia Miller. Please email me. I am a cousin on his dad’s side of the house.
Gail Finch Shipek says
Mrs. Horton,
So many years ago, I remember, Mr. Horton would stand at the top of the ramp and make anyone who ran on the ramp go back and do it again. So funny to think of now, but we were a bit afraid of him. I also had him for Algebra 1 and remember that he was passionate and expected us to learn. Thanks to the foundation he and Mr. Stabio gave me in math, I later went on to study electrical engineering which is pretty much all mathmatics. Great memories. And to believe that you taught us typing on manual typewriters. Who would have guessed then that in 40 years we would just hit Enter instead of pushing the return lever as fast as we could to get 32 wpm!! You two gave us all great memories!! Thank you for being excellent teachers!