Owasso neighborhood honors fallen soldier

OWASSO, Okla. - Residents in an Owasso neighborhood honored one of their own, a neighbor who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving his country.

On Saturday, residents in the Crescent Ridge subdivision, along with Owasso and Collinsville officials, renamed a portion of E.123rd Street North after Army Spc. Christopher Horton.

Horton, a member of the Oklahoma National Guard's 45th Brigade Combat team, died in Afghanistan Sept. 9 after coming under enemy fire.

"I never thought that Chris wouldn't come home," said his wife, Jane Horton, who attended the dedication. "America is founded and we remain free from the blood of patriots, and Chris happened to be one of them."

Horton said the months since her husband's death have been like a nightmare.

"It doesn't really get easier," said Horton. "I was in shock for such a long time and I think I've just come out of shock and reality is hitting."

Ken Poppiti, one of Jane's neighbors, came up with the idea of honoring Spc. Horton.

"I know how they name streets after presidents, football coaches and I thought naming one after a hero would be a good idea," said Poppiti.

Poppiti said he didn't know the Hortons until he heard about what happened in Afghanistan.

"I wanted the neighborhood to know that we had a hero living on our street," said Poppiti.

Jane Horton hopes the red, white and blue street sign bearing her late husband's name will cause people to remember.

"I obviously would like them to remember my husband, but I also hope that sign embodies so much more," said Horton. "I hope it represents every soldier that's given their life for this country."

She also hopes when neighborhood kids look up and see "Spc. Christopher D. Horton Ave.," they will be inspired.

A plaque, located below one of the street signs, is also dedicated to Spc. Horton.

In addition, Owasso Mayor Doug Bonebrake announced at the ceremony he had proclaimed Saturday, January 28 as "Christopher Horton Day" in the city.