Curtis Barton Hortman

Curtis Barton Hortman passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 90 in Liberty, Texas. Born on July 3, 1935, in Daisetta, Texas. Curtis lived a life full of passion, dedication, and love for his family and faith.

Curtis was the proud owner of Hortman Trucking, dedicating much of his professional life to sales and service. His entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic left a lasting impact on those who worked alongside him throughout his career. He and his wife, Barbara, who passed last September, were well known for their hearts for service and great generosity.

Beyond his business pursuits, Curtis was renowned for his musical talents. He loved to sing and continued to share that gift even while in a physical rehab center after recent surgeries. He was a member of the original Sagemen Quartet, after he and Barbara were part of the First 17 families that helped plant Sagemont Church. They were also one of 10 families that planted Heritage Park Baptist Church. Curtis sang for close to 60 years in various quartets and other groups.

In addition to his passion for music and faith, Curtis invested time in various community services, including the prison ministry alongside Barbara, as well as coaching in and cooking for little league events. He was an active participant in softball, fast-pitch and slow-pitch, for over 40 years, doing a good job of keeping up with the next generation. He never got too far from his country roots and values, as he was an avid hunter and fisherman, running trot lines and making his own traps well into his 80’s.

Curtis is survived by his children, Russ Hortman and his wife Lara, and Shera Lisa (Hortman) Carriker and her husband Greg. He was also a proud grandfather to Kiki Kurtz and her husband Gaston, Jeace White and her husband Zachary, Faith Taylor and her husband Zachary, Miles Hortman, Casey Hortman, Jared Tomlinson and his wife Katlin, Caleb Carriker and his wife Login, and Devin (Carriker) Ruderer and her husband Ross. Additionally, he treasured his role as a great-grandfather to Lyra Kurtz, Kara Kurtz, Nathan Kurtz, Marlow White, Audie Taylor, Daphne Taylor, Brooks Tomlinson, Bryce Carriker, Xander Richardson, Aiden Ruderer, and, Easton Ruderer.

Curtis was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years Barbara Hortman; parents, William Wylie Hortman and Bertha Curtis Barton; his brother, William Wylie "Bill" Hortman Jr.;  his sisters, Theople Pranke, Joyce Fulton, and Ruby T Pedrotti and his grandson, Gatlin Carriker.

Graveside services will be held at Old Hardin Cemetery in Kountze, Texas, on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM, officiated by Pastor Keith de la Moriniere. Interment to follow at 12:00 PM.

Curtis Barton Hortman will be remembered for his unwavering spirit, love for music, and devoted service to his family and community. His legacy will undoubtedly endure through the lives he touched and the memories shared.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West End Church, Saratoga, Texas in Curtis’s name.