Granville "Van" Horton, Jr.

Granville Van Horton, Jr. passed away peacefully on April 11, 2015, in Tulsa at 80 years of age. Van was born in Lamar, Arkansas, on October 6, 1934, to Granville V. Horton, Sr. and Susie (George) Horton, and grew up in Gentry, Arkansas.

After graduating high school he attended the University of Arkansas briefly, then moved to Tulsa, and met and married the love of his life, Gwendolyn S. Farley on August 25, 1954. Following a stint in the U. S. Army, he worked in the Supply Division of Bethlehem Steel, and subsequently entered Federal service in the late 1950’s as a contracting officer in Procurement at Southwestern Power Administration. While he was working, Van attended Tulsa University at night where he obtained a Business Management Degree. In the 1970’s, he transferred to Customer Service at SWPA as a marketing specialist developing power sales contracts and providing valuable customer relations, ultimately becoming head of the Branch. Van retired from Federal service in 1989 after 30 years. He has spent his retirement doing the things he loved, enjoying time and travel with his wife, Gwen, visiting every state except Alaska, and playing golf which was his passion, as well as supporting his alma mater, TU, attending every football and basketball game for many years. He also faithfully served on the Board of Directors of Tulsa Federal Credit Union for over 30 years with numerous terms as Chairman and other offices, and served with the National Active and Retired Federal Employees, a number of years as President.

Van was truly a “people person” who loved being with and around friends, golf buddies, customers, co-workers and associates. He was a true friend who was willing and available to help anytime. He always had a smile for you or a supportive word. Van had a special knack for assessing people and evaluating issues. He was thorough and dependable, and was the person you could go to if you wanted a job done and done right.

Van was preceded in death by his parents and his four sisters, Doris Ann, Sylvia Sue, Mary Carolyn and Maureen Horton. He was devoted to his family, and is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gwen, his brother Charles Horton of Houston, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Schaudt-Teel Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice in Van’s name would be appreciated.