Robert "Lee" Horton

Robert Lee Horton, age 62 of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2012 after he lost his battle with cancer. He was born November 6, 1949 and was preceded in death by his parents; Harold and Juanita Horton, and a sister; Susan Montgomery. Lee lived in Arkansas and Mississippi until joining the United States Army in 1968. He served in the Vietnam War with Bravo Company, 11th Infantry Brigade from 1968-1969, and was awarded numerous medals and honors for his bravery and service. After returning from Vietnam Lee started his own roofing company in Missouri. Lee is survived by his wife Deborah of 17 years, and their loving dog, Heaven; sons, Chad Holthaus and his wife Jen of Topeka; Wes Holthaus and Dylan Bane of Topeka, grandchildren; Chance, Caden, Avery and Beckhman Holthaus, a brother; Bruce (Danita) Buckingham, sisters; Carolyn (Ron) Miller, Jeanette Sumners, and many nieces and nephews. Lee loved his country and fellow service men and women. He became an advocate for Veterans and their families. In 2001, he created the U.S. National Patrol 2nd Responder Volunteers to Assist and Serve, a national organization in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In 2006, Lee organized the “Big Bad Bravo” reunion in St. Charles, Mo., bringing together more than 300 surviving members of Bravo Company for the first time since the war. They continue to meet every two years. In 2007, he created the Military Advanced Stress Awareness Program at Fort Riley where he counseled military families on what to expect when their soldiers returned from combat and what stressors might trigger flashbacks. In 2011, Lee led efforts to dedicate the monument at Gage Park for soldiers who have been awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and was currently the commander. In 2012, Lee was honored with the Bruce Award by a group of active duty soldiers for his volunteer work with veteran’s organizations. At the time of his death, Lee was working on raising funds for the “Homage” Statue Memorial which will be placed at the Gage Park Veterans Memorial. He was a member of the ALR riders of Legion Post 421and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson. Lee loved God, his family and his country and will be deeply missed. Lee will lie in state Friday, from 2 to 7:30 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka KS 66614.Family will greet friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th St., Topeka Ks 66618. Memorial contributions are suggested to Homage Statue Memorial Fund and Post 421 American Legion building fund sent in care of the funeral home.

Robert "Lee" Horton

November 6, 1949 - July 3, 2012