William Randolph “Randy” Horton

January 19, 1948 – April 2, 2024

William Randolph “Randy” Horton, 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Tipton, Ind., surrounded by his loving family. Born January 19, 1948, in Tipton, he was the son of the late Gail Horton and Lois (Day) Horton.

Randy was a 1966 graduate of Tipton High School. At the age of 21, he enrolled in the Police Academy in Kokomo, Ind. He was a member of the third graduating class of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Class of 1970. During his 30-year career with the Tipton Police Department, he proudly and honorably served his community as a Patrolman, Sergeant, Captain, and was later promoted to Assistant Chief, before retiring on April 1, 2000. Retirement was not something that sat very well with Randy. So, without giving it a second thought, he returned to the job he loved so much, finishing out his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher with the department from 2001 until 2005. Randy was an active member of the Tipton F.O.P. and the Tipton Moose Lodge.

Randy truly loved life and lived his in a way that made him proud: having five kids, seven grandkids, one great-grandchild (with two more on the way), as well as serving his community as a police officer for 30 years. He would say that these were his greatest accomplishments. He could look quite intimidating if you didn’t know him, but he was a gentle giant. Showing affection wasn’t his way, but his kind and accepting nature was shown toward everyone who knew him. He was always up for a fun time and a good laugh, and absolutely loved getting together with family. After a big meal, you could usually find him fast asleep in the nearest recliner.

Randy was a good friend to many, and in return, had many faithful friends who loved him unconditionally. He always loved visiting them, and never turned down an opportunity to go out and have a little fun. Whether it was a party, a wedding, or really anywhere that had a dance floor or karaoke machine, you could always find him with a microphone in hand, picking out his next song … or running over to one of his daughters (or a friend), dragging them onto the dance floor to “cut a rug” and saying “just follow my lead.”

Randy also loved just relaxing at home. Believe it or not, catching up on his soap operas was a high priority. The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful were a couple of his favorites; he faithfully watched when he could and recorded them to watch later when he couldn’t.

When the kids were young, he loved taking them to amusement parks; he never grew tired of riding the roller coaster and other rides with them. Road trips and traveling were something Randy enjoyed very much, and he always wished he could do more. He always wanted to go to New York, as well as see more of the mountains.

Randy was funny without even knowing that he was. He was one of those people who was always making everyone laugh and usually leaving everyone he met with a good story to tell. He was loved by many people in this life and will continue to be loved and remembered by them for years to come.

Randy was a two-time cancer survivor. He always had a positive outlook and a strong will to live.

Randy is survived by his four daughters, Shelly Horton of Arcadia, Rebecca Horton-Hadley of Arcadia, Amy Horton-Beckey (Brad) of Noblesville, and Kacy Horton of Tipton; one son, Randy Horton (Shannon) of Cicero; seven grandchildren, Brennen Horton, Chase Hadley, Chloe Hadley, Lilly Beckey, Asher Beckey, Kaylee Horton, and Eric Balcon; one great-grandchild, Alex Huber; and two great-grandchildren on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gail and Lois (Day) Horton; brother, Robert “Bob” Horton; three sisters, Janet (Dolan) Horton, Ruth Ann (Anderson) Horton, and Lu Ann Horton.

A Celebration of Randy’s Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Heartland Church, 3611 State Road 19, Sharpsville, Ind., with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Tipton F.O.P.

Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com