HEATH-NEWARK-LICKING COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY
NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2013

It is with a heavy heart and much sadness I share this news. I have been alerted by the family of Wallace L. Horton that he passed away this morning.

The impact Wally Horton has had on Licking County and Heath is immeasurable. Without Wally Horton, there very well may never have been a Newark Air Force Base. His role in first bringing the base here in 1962 and then saving it from total closure and becoming a pile of weeds and rubble in the mid 1990’s is second to none.

His singularly unique ability to combine technical knowledge with charismatic advocacy is what distinguished him and made him the vital leader for Licking County that he was for over 50 years.

The Port Authority is proud to count him as our first executive director, a past Board member, and, most of all, a visionary leader who made a difference. All of us in Licking County, in some way, owe a debt of gratitude to Wally. He will long be remembered.

I have ordered the U.S. flag at the Aerospace Center be hung at half staff in honor of Wally and his legacy and in respect to his family. His family is in our prayers.