Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Lt. Col. Richard "Ret." Van Horn
Lt. Col. Richard "Ret." Van Horn
Obituary
Guest Book
Richard Van Horn Obituary
Mr. Van Horn passed away on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 in his home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home.
Richard was born on February 24, 1954 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Thomas and Anna Marie (Goerlich) Van Horn. He grew up in Philadelphia and graduated from Frankfort High School. After high school he attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned degrees in Geology and Meteorology and participated in the ROTC program. Richard joined the United States Army after finishing college and started his military career at Fort Sill in 1975. He proudly served in the military for over 20 years as a Field Artillery Officer and Nuclear Chemical Target Analyst. Richard served one tour of duty in Germany and earned many awards and medals including the Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Pistol, and Expert Rifle. After retiring from the military, Mr. Van Horn worked as a civil servant at Fort Sill writing instructional booklets for MLRS and HIMR's. Richard met Joan Mattie in 1972 whom he married on June 20, 1975 at Wissinoming Presbyterian Church and to their union 4 children were added. He was a member of the Lions of Lawton Club and a devout Christian and member at First Christian Church where he was very active and served on many boards and committees. Richard enjoyed sailboats, riding his bike, and singing in the Barbershop Quartet, Promusica, and the choir at First Christian Church.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan Van Horn; his children, Beverly and Michael Albert, Richard F. Van Horn, Timothy and JayCee Van Horn, and Daniel and Melissa Van Horn; his grandchildren, Robert Albert, Emma Albert, Allie Albert, Kendall Van Horn; Aiden Van Horn, Deck Van Horn, and Etta Kate Van Horn; and many other loving family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas Van Horn, Jr.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Memorial Fund at First Christian Church.
632 SW C Ave, Lawton, OK 73501
People and places connected with Richard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Van Horn
Tell your own story about Richard
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Richard Van Horn's name
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Van Horn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored