Frank Reed Horton (July 17, 1896 – August 28, 1966) was an American educator. He is best known as the founder and first national president of Alpha Phi Omega, an international service fraternity.

Early life and education

Horton was born July 17, 1896, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. He attended Worcester Academy in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he graduated in 1914.

In 1915, after leaving Worcester Academy, he worked during the day as a law clerk and at night studied law extension courses from La Salle Extension College. In Fall of 1916, Horton enrolled in Boston University in 1917, where he became a brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Awards

His fraternity leadership won him several awards, including:

  • Numerous Alpha Phi Omega honors and awards

The National Distinguished Service Key

  • The naming of the 1966 national fall pledge class in his honor.

Among fraternity members, he is sometimes referred to as "The Lightbearer" since he was the principal founder of Alpha Phi Omega.

Horton was heavily involved in Scouts and other community organizations, holding the following role:

  • Deputy Scout Commissioner, Easton Scout Council, PA, 1923
  • Scout Executive, Homestead District Council, PA, 1927–28
  • Scout Executive, Shenandoah Area Council, Winchester, Virginia, 1929-1931
  • Member, Freemasonry, 1918; Royal Arch/York Rite, 1919; Scottish Rite
  • Member, Kiwanis (joined between 1920–22)
  • Member, Knights of Pythias (joined between 1920–22)

Death

Horton died August 28, 1966 in Easton, Pennsylvania, at age 70. Resting place is in Washington Cemetery in Washington, NJ with his wife, Helen.

References

  • Frank Reed Horton biography at Alpha Phi Omega website