Charles Richard Horstman

Charles Richard "Rich" Horstman, Lt. Col USAF (ret.), March 12, 1934 - September 16, 2025

Rich passed away peacefully on September 16 at home surrounded by his family. Born in Seymour Indiana in 1934, he was the beloved son of Andrew and Mildred Horstman. He went on to build a life marked by service, character, success and determination.

Rich graduated from Brownstown High School in 1952. He attended Purdue University and then joined the United States Air Force to achieve his dream of becoming a pilot. He honorably served for more than 21 years, flying missions in Vietnam, Thailand, Indochina and Korea. His Air Force career saw him logging more than 6,000 flying hours in the F-105, B-52, F-100 and F-4. He flew 105 combat missions over Vietnam in the F-105 and more than 80 missions in the B-52. While in the Air Force he graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Wyoming University in 1964 on the Dean's List. He was a proud member of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association and the Order of Daedalians.

After retiring from the U. S. Air Force, Rich continued his flying career as a pilot for Poulan Weedeater Flight for more than 20 years. He went on to become the private pilot for Professional golfer, Hal Sutton for nine years. He was an aviator from the age of 19 to 73, amassing more than 19,000 flight hours. In his true retirement, he exercised numerous times per week and golfed at Palmetto Country Club and Northwood Hills. He had many amazing stories of friends and fun with golfing friends. His time flying for Hal Sutton afforded him the opportunity to golf on some of the country's most amazing golf courses. As a scratch golfer, he treasured this time.

Rich was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Janet Sullivan Horstman, their sons, Chuck and Mike Horstman and his sister, Mary Lou Nolting. He is survived by his daughter Laura Finken and husband Andrew; and his daughter Beth Smiley and husband Adrian; his grandchildren, Austin Horstman, Sarah and Justin Finken and Ben and Amelia Smiley. He is also survived by his sisters, Ruthie Robertson of Brownstown, Indiana; Linda Robertson, and husband Jerry of Sellersburg, Indiana; brother Tom Horstman of Basalt, Colorado; brother-in-law Tom Nolting of Brownstown, Indiana; and numerous nephews and nieces across the country.

The family suggests that donations be made to the River Rats Scholarship at www.river-rats.org/donations/

There will be a memorial service 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, a family burial will follow. The family will receive friends at the Horstman home after 1 p.m.