Russell W. Horton, 76, of Hyde Park, NY, died on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Northern Dutchess Hospital, Rhinebeck, NY, after a long courageous battle with various cancers over an 18 year period.

Born on July 5, 1946, in Frankfort, Germany, he was the son of the late Russell W. and Hannelore G. Sonntag Horton. On Friday, April 11, 1969, he married the love of his life, Eleanor Valerie Juras at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Fishkill, NY. They have been married for 53 years.

Russell served his country faithfully in the Army Security Agency branch of the United States Army, for four years. He was honorably discharged in 1969. While in the Army he traveled the world.

Prior to retirement, Russell worked at Lawrence B. Miller & Associates, Inc., as an Insurance Broker for many years. In his free time he loved sailing his boat 'True Love' in Noank, CT. He was an avid reader and movie goer. Russell enjoyed teaching insurance at the local community colleges, music, and acting at the local theaters. Russell was always the life of the party and enjoyed entertaining. He was quick with a joke and loved making people laugh. His happiest of times were spent with his family.

Along with his wife he is survived by his son James S (Cathryn) Horton; sister Susan (Bob) Steele and brother Michael Horton. He is also survived by his grandsons Jude, Theodore, Wolfgang, and Christian. Russell leaves behind his relatives in Germany, Walburga, Karin, Felix, and Jonas Sonntag.

Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, on Monday, February 13, 2023, at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Wurtemburg, 371 Wurtemburg Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, with the Rev. Dr. Mark D. Isaacs, officiating. Military Honors will be conducted at the church following the funeral service.

At Russell's request, cremation will take place after church services.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centergiving.mskcc.org or the CMAK Foundation (Race4Chase) cmakfoundation.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Rte. 9, Hyde Park. To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.