Horton Wayne Flaming, 78, died Monday, October 15, 2012 at his home in North Newton. Servicers will be at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton on Monday, November 5, 2012. He was born on August 6, 1934 at Corn, Oklahoma to a family of Mennonite farmers. His family moved to California in 1940, settling in Reedley, near Fresno.
Polio struck Horton at age 11. His mother died while he was in the hospital. The intensity applied to regaining the ability to walk remained at Horton's core throughout his life. "Cripples" were viewed much differently in the 50's and 60's; handicap accessibility did not exist. In later years he was again physically challenged by Post-Polio syndrome.
Horton and Elsie Mae Wicke were married in 1961. They met in Bethel College and have been a team in life. Horton could not have accomplished what he did. Elsie lovingly cared for him as his physical body deteriorated. She cared for him by herself to the end.
He loved the outdoors; fishing, camping, fishing, hunting, traveling. Both Horton and Elsie enjoyed travel. For years they camped all over the country; Canada for fishing; California to visit family; the East coast and Texas. After they retired they started taking bus and barge tours. They were soon recruited to be tour directors and led multiple tours around the country, making many friends in the process,
He was preceded in death by his mother, Susie Janzen; father, Ernest; and stepmother, Bertha. He is survived by his wife Elsie of 51 years; brother, Vernon (Doris); stepsisters, Alberta (Carty) and Donna (Lloye) and stepbrother, Richard (Vera). Elsie and Horton two sons, Kevan (Brenda) and Garth (Lisa) and four grandchildren..
In keeping with Horton's passion for educataion and helping others, memorial gifts can be made to the Wicke-Flaming Scholarship at Bethel Collete, in Newton.
