Robert Neil Horton

Robert Neil Horton, "Neil", age 73, passed away on January 31, 2018 after a brief, courageous battle with cancer.

Neil was born April 21, 1944 to Harry and Ethel Horton in Caldwell, Idaho, the youngest of four boys.

Neil graduated from Caldwell High School and after serving the Army in Korea, attended the College of Idaho, earning his Elementary Education Degree.

Neil taught elementary school in Parma and Caldwell for 13 years, went on to work for Herff Jones until he purchased A+ Awards from his brother Paul and spent the remainder of his working years as a proud small business owner in New Plymouth, Idaho.

Neil was a well-respected Legion Baseball Coach and many summers were spent coaching the Caldwell Silver Streaks. Neil was named Coach of the Year for his success as the Silver Streaks’ Coach and was also a lifetime member of the 3rd District Coaches Association. An avid baseball fan, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to see his beloved Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field, touring Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium, then on to Cooperstown to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame. Another dream came true when he got to celebrate his Cubs winning the World Series.

Neil is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia (Cindy) Zechmann Horton, his daughter Amanda (Mandy) White and grandson, Tucker White; daughter Jodi Compton and her husband Tabb Compton, his grandchildren, Aspen Compton-Hoyte her husband Elliot Hoyte, and Korbin Compton and his fiancé, Emily. Neil is also survived by Cindy’s children and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly: Willie Zechmann, Jim Zechmann and his wife Andrea, and their children, Aidan and Adelie.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved brothers Sam, Bill, and Paul.

Neil lived his life to the fullest, traveling the world, golfing nearly every day, and making friends everywhere he went. He was clever, loving, loyal, kind, and generous. Do not languish his passing, but instead raise a glass to his memory, reminisce with a humorous story (as they are plentiful), and truly rejoice in having known such a remarkable man.

Cremation is under the direction of Dakan Funeral Chapel. In lieu of services, a Celebration of Life is planned for March 29, 2018 (Opening Day of the Baseball Season), beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Stewart’s Bar and Grill, 2805 Blaine Street, Caldwell.

Neil’s family would also like to sincerely thank Treasure Valley Hospice and Tiffany for the love and compassion shown to Neil.

Donations to the Boise VA Hospital, www.boise.va.gov, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or to American Legion Baseball, PO Box 101, Caldwell, ID 83606, in Neil’s name would be a fitting tribute.

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