Retired Sgt. 1st Class Carl K. Horttor, 79, of Paola, Kansas, passed away peacefully at the University of Kansas Medical Center the morning of July 26, 2019. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May. He passed knowing he was going to be in the presence of the Lord with family at his side. Carl was born on Dec. 26, 1939, in Fort Scott and grew up in Blue Mound. Carl worked on the family dairy farm growing up, as well as for other farmers who would request his help. Carl graduated high school in May 1958. Carl later enlisted in the Army and served two years at Fort Benning, Georgia, prior to being discharged on a hardship waiver due to the passing of his father. Carl believed in God and Country and later joined the National Guard. Carl had over 26 years combined in the Army, the National Guard, and the Navy and was receiving a military retirement. Carl worked as a recreational therapist at the Osawatomie State Hospital from 1962 to 1978. Carl was later employed by the Gas Service Company, where he retired after 33 years of service. Shortly into retirement Carl started working part time at the Miami County Lumber Company. Carl was preceded in death by his father, Ardith Horttor, his mother Eva Jo Horttor, his wife Linda Horttor (Brewer), and his sister Evelyn Stites (George) of Fontana. Carl is survived in death by his sister Carol Cowel (Delbert) of Park City; his sister Ardyth Rice (Merwin) of Osawatomie; a brother, DeLoss Horttor (Kathleen) of Blue Mound; his son, Todd Horttor of Paola; and his daughter Tammy Harris (Chuck), also of Paola; two granddaughters, Kristin Diefendorf (Ben) of Spring Hill and Amber Dickey (Matt) of Paola, along with two great grandchildren, Mason Diefendorf and Cooper Diefendorf with another on the way. In his younger days, Carl enjoyed officiating high school football. He was also an avid gardener who enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor. With that, Carl enjoyed watching his granddaughters play sports, fishing, shooting, and spending time with family. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Federated Church of Blue Mound, Kansas, ATTN: Ben Bielenberg. To share your memories of Carl or leave a special condolence message for his family, https://www.dengelmortuary.com/obituaries/Carl-K-HorttorobId=5530326#/obituaryInfo