Michael Keith Horton, C.C.P.

Michael "Mike" Keith Horton, C.C.P. lost his battle with cancer on Saturday, May 26, 2012. Born August 10, 1956, in Detroit, MI, he spent most of his childhood and adolescence in Boca Raton and Sebring, FL. A loving and devoted father, son, brother and loyal friend, he leaves, mourning his loss, a loving son, Keith Horton of Jacksonville, FL; parents, Willard and Roberta Horton of Clearwater, FL; mother, Peggy Warnke, Elkton, MI; sisters, Beth (Randy) Smith, Melbourne, FL and Suzy (Ray) Tinsley, Tallahassee, FL; step-brothers, Gordon Dafoe, Detroit, MI; Rusty and David Phillips, New Mexico; Jeff Phillips, Gainesville, FL and Greg (Ginger) Phillips, Tallahassee, FL; step-sister, Jennifer Dafoe, Detroit, MI and a host of nieces and nephews and many close and devoted friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Loraine and Henry "Harry" Horton, Mervin and Evelyn Hoffman and a step-brother, Jeffrey Dafoe. He returned to college later in life, and as was his nature, graduated with honors in Biology (Florida State University), furthering his degree and graduate studies to become a certified Cardiovascular Perfusionist (Ohio State University). His work in healthcare brought him to Lakeland, FL; New Orleans, LA; West Palm Beach, FL and most recently, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Mike's love for life was evident, as most of his leisure time was spent in travel, outdoors, on the water, on his motorcycle, at the beach, at Disney, or in a boat on the "river" with good friends and family. Memorial Services will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012, at 3:30 p.m. in the Stephenson-Nelson Chapel in Sebring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.