Mr. O. Chuck Horton's Obituary
O. Chuck Horton, age 85, left this world peacefully on April 20, 2013 at Woodside Hospice following a short illness surrounded by his family. Born in West Monroe, LA on February 19, 1928, he is preceded in death by his mother and father and a son, Bruce Hanley. Chuck served in the United States Navy during WWII in the South Pacific Theater on PT boats where he rescued downed aviators off Canton Island. Upon returning to the States, he worked in paper mills in Monroe, LA and Natchez, MS before coming to St. Petersburg in 1955. He worked at Ross Chevrolet before joining Local I.A.T.S.E. 552 where he became a projectionist and stage-hand. He worked at many local theaters, the Coliseum and with Guy Lombardo at his Tierra Verde club in the early 1960's. When the Bay Front Center Theater and arena opened in 1965, he became the sound engineer of all the major acts and attractions that appeared, including several presidential visits. He was co-owner of Hi-Ho Stage Company which rented sound and lighting equipment to performances in the region. He was a consummate "jack-of-all-trades" and was often quoted as saying "he could fix anything but the crack of dawn or a broken heart". After retiring he could be found volunteering at Edward White Hospital and helping his wife manage her transcription business. The last several years they spent the summers on his farm in Cedar Mountain, NC, enjoying the cool air and wildlife. Chuck was an avid gun collector and competitive shooter, shooting in local competitions for years. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Dianne Blakeney Horton, daughters Holly McKelvey, Land O Lakes and Joann Wiest, Bel Air, Maryland, sons-in-law Michael McKelvey, Land O Lakes, and Joseph Wiest, Bel Air, Maryland, two sisters, Evelyn Mayes, West Monroe, LA and Helen Elliott, Sevierville, TN, along with two grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his faithful companion Molly the dog and many, many good friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodside Hospice or St. Anthony's Hospital.
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