Berton "Snoopy" H Horton

MISSOULA ~ Berton H. "Snoopy" Horton, 86, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Hope Hospice House in Missoula, Montana.

Born in 1939, Snoopy was known to everyone for his exceptional kindness, loving nature, and generous spirit. His heart was as big as Montana, a quality especially evident in his love for children; five of his eight children were adopted, and he delighted in letting little girls put plastic barrettes and ribbons in his hair and beard. He was a playful tease who always tried to bring a smile to people’s faces, whether they were a waitress or a grocery store clerk.

Snoopy served in the National Guard as a cook in the late 50s, and he was a great cook throughout his life. He spent most of his career driving a variety of vehicles—gravel trucks, mail trucks, bread trucks, and mostly semi-trucks—before finishing his working life as a devoted bus driver for schoolchildren. He cherished those kids. Snoopy also loved a good western and is sure to have seen every John Wayne movie at least a dozen times.

The world is a better place because Snoopy was in it, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Snoopy was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Horton and Clara Smallwood; his brother, Sam Horton; his sister, Bernice Worden ; and his ex-wife, Mary Hatfield.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nora Horton; brother Ted Boggess, sister Joan Gibbson; his children, Johnny Horton, Serena (John) Carley, Shawn Horton, Kristi Amos, Gloria (Rod) Fortier, Ben Horton, Anthony Horton, and Frank Horton. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren who will carry his memory in their hearts.

Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.