Elton Douglas Horton,80, of Galax Minister of the Gospel passed away on Friday, June 9, 2017 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Geneva Ayers Horton; brothers and sisters, Swanson Horton, Lila Webb, Lorene Horton, Oleta Jones, and Otis Wyatt Horton.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Kathryn Marie Horton of the home; children and spouses, Debbie Ayers and Shirley of Woodlawn, Pam Horton and fiancé Randy Jones of Galax, Mark Horton and Clara of Galax, and Steven Horton of Woodlawn; grandsons, Brandon Ayers, and Dustin Caudill; five great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren brother-in-law, Paul Jones of Mt. Airy, NC; special nephew, Jimmy Horton; special "PA" to Chase Isaacs, several nieces and nephews.

The youngest of six children Elton grew up on a farm in Fancy Gap. He was the apple of his mother's eye, often driving her to her job of teaching school years before he was old enough to do so. He worked for the Highway Department and the Furniture factory later he worked for Pless Furniture and Heilig Meyers for over thirty years.

Accepting Christ in 1961 he received a call to the ministry and became an ordained minister. He started his ministry as a founding member and assistant pastor of Fairview Baptist Church. Later he pastored several small churches in the area. In later years he spent much time ministering in the nursing homes preaching and singing.

He was an accomplished musician who could play most stringed instruments and was honored to perform with Bill Monroe. He was a standup comedian and had a radio program under the stage name "Cornstalk". Through his humble spirit and dry humor, he brought hope and peace to all he came in contact with.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially the trips to the Smokies. He was a coin collector who made sure that any coin with a child's year of birth went to them. He was blessed with 80 years of life and was only sick for a brief time before the Lord chose to call him home. He departed this life surrounded by family while listening to "Lord I'm Ready to go home" by the Easters. He was welcomed into the joy of heaven and greeted with "Well done my good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 12, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel with Pastors Billy Redd, Greg Goodson and David Spivey officiating. Burial will follow in the Webb-Skyview Cemetery in Fancy Gap. The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Gideon's International P.O. Box 614 Galax, VA 24333. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the Horton family. The family will be meeting at 80 Trapper Drive Woodlawn, VA 24381.