a.k.a. "McClain" on US97 Radio Mark Edward Horton, age 36, passed away on January 4, 2006, after a tough fight with diabetes. Mark is survived by his loving wife, Amy. Mark also leaves behind parents, Edward and Teddy Horton sisters, Licia and Lora Horton brother, Paul and his wife, Amy nephew, Caleb and niece, Taylor. Mark is now with his Grandma Horton and niece Savannah. As I write this story about my brother, I think of the lessons he taught me about story telling. He said that everything is interesting if you embellish a little bit. His story needs no additives. Mark was born in Macon, Mo., on June 21, 1969. He graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 1987 at Bradleyville High School. Mark was a Professional Storyteller and always seemed to find an audience more than willing to be entertained. In high school, friends would ask, "Do you stay up at night and think these things up?". No, Mark was naturally funny, quick witted, and brilliant. His love of entertaining brought him to radio in 1989. He entertained hundreds of thousands of listeners in Springfield over the years on several radio stations including 93.5 The Bear, B95, KGBX, Rock 99, and for the last 9 years, US97. His colleagues, competitors, listeners, and friends all agree that Mark was the best. On a radio industry website, this is what they're saying about Mark today... "Mark was without question one of the funniest and most creative talents I've ever known." "I wish I could have made him laugh one more time by telling him he is my Yoda." "Mark's legend will live on in Springfield in our own Rock & Roll Hall of Fame." Listeners of "The McClain Show" on US97 said of Mark's passing\320 "I feel like I lost my best friend" and "He's making 'em laugh up there right now" Mark would want me to tell you something funny like, 'Mark won his first Olympic Gold Medal in 1984 for Speed Skating', that makes for an interesting story. But, so does the truth about his life. His creativity was honored locally, regionally, and nationally by Advertising and Broadcasting Associations. He would spend countless nights each winter on top of a semi trailer raising thousands of blankets for the Salvation Army. He was "Springfield's Number 1 Sports Fan" when Springfield was named Sports Town USA (remember the body paint and wig?). He went skydiving live on the radio. He tried to pick a fight with a professional wrestler. He drove a monster truck at 4 mph because he didn't want to tip it over. He did "The McClain Show" live from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame once. He created "The Chili Cheese Dog for the Soul". His best impersonations were Tim Wilson, Ozzy Osbourne, and the old man neighbor on "Little House on the Prairie". He interviewed many celebrities including Rodney Carrington, Ted Nugent and Cooter from The Dukes of Hazzard. Mark's favorite when George Carlin cursed him out. He's interviewing Johnny Cash and Richard Pryor right now. Mark also liked cole slaw. These are things that make his friends, family, and radio listeners laugh. In his private life, Mark enjoyed dogs - lots and lots of dogs. He leaves behind six dogs that he rescued, Greta, Rudy, Charlie, Angel, Daisy, and Chauncey. His wife, Amy will take good care of his "babies". In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Southwest Missouri Humane Society. A Celebration of Mark's life will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home South in Springfield on Saturday, January 7th at 10 a.m. The family will have a private graveside service separately.