LT. COL. ROBERT H. VAN HORN

LT. COL. ROBERT VAN HORN 01/13/1931 - 09/28/2025 On September 28, 2025, the world lost Lt. Col. Robert H. Van Horn at the age of 94. Lt. Col. Van Horn was born in Greenville, Ill., on January 13, 1931. He went on to join the U.S. Army and serve a distinguished career of more than 20 years before retiring. In that time, he served overseas in Germany and in both the Korean and Viet Nam wars. His exemplary military career was recognized with a Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, and Army Commendation Medal, among others. He retired in Leavenworth, Kan., and remained a lifelong member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Other organizational affiliations include the American Legion, the VFW, and the Old B's of Ft. Leavenworth. Lt. Col. Van Horn's dedication to service continued in his second career as an educator. He served first as Director of Education at Kansas State Penitentiary, where he initiated several programs for the inmates. He then acted as Senior Army Instructor of the ROTC at Leavenworth Senior High School, later as a history teacher, then as principal of West Junior High School, and 10-year member of the Leavenworth School Board (five years as its president). He influenced at least two generations of students in his years with Leavenworth Independence School District (now Leavenworth Unified School District). He was also an active member in both the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel (KARSP) and Leavenworth Area Retired School Personnel Association (LARSPA). For several years Lt. Col. Van Horn was also an active volunteer at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, much to the delight of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Julia and Harlan Van Horn, and his wife of 57 years, Sylvia L. Van Horn. The patriarch of a large family, Lt. Col. Van Horn is survived by his children, Robert H. Van Horn Jr. (Denise), Michael O. Van Horn (Jan), Vicki E. Dickinson (John), Steven B. Van Horn, Pamela L. Pursel (Paul), and Susie [Karen S.] (Mark); his 18 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. Known as Bob, Van, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, and Great Big to his family, Lt. Col. Van Horn left behind a legacy to be admired. When those who love him are asked what they will remember, what they will miss, or what he meant to them, the list will be long and varied. He was a friend on the golf course, balancing humor and wit with an excellent swing and sportsmanship. In the summers he would stand at his grill, turning chicken and flipping burgers, looking out over multiple generations of his family. He would quietly and competently feed the small army of family he had created, safe in his backyard, the well-manicured grass, powerful trees, and flourishing garden a testament to his green thumb and patience. To his children and those they married, he remained a steadfast example of integrity, honesty, and hard work, and a role model of a caring partner and kind citizen. To his grandchildren, he was the bravest, strongest slayer of dragons and villains. He was security personified, and to be with him was to be safe. He was a teacher, a voice of encouragement, and their biggest fan. To the great-grandchildren, he was kindness and humor and patience. He was a ride on the carousel, an ice cream cone for supper, and the voice of family history. The world will be less bright, less kind, and less good without him in it. How lucky are we to have had his light in our lives, and how hard must we all work to ensure that light not go out in his absence. Visitation will be held at Davis Funeral Chapel on Monday, October 6, 2025, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Funeral will follow at 11:30 a.m. Committal service will be held at Leavenworth National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. followed by a funeral luncheon at Riverfront Community Center catered by June. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Lt. Col. Van Horn to the LV Education Foundation or the Leavenworth chapter of the Alliance Against Family Violence.