Donald (D.C. – Don) Carol Horn, aged 80 of Colorado Springs, passed away September 11, 2021, surrounded by loving family who honored him with scripture readings, worship hymns, and joyful remembrances of his life. After a brief battle with cancer, he peacefully went home to be with his Lord.
Born September 3, 1941, in Grandfield, Oklahoma, to Dudley C. Horn and Thelma Mae Chapman-Horn, he was the youngest of four children. He is survived by his sister Edie Ousley (Gary – deceased) and brother Lonnie Horn (Janis). His sister, Velma Careathers preceded him in death. During his first fourteen years, D.C. lived on the family farm in southern Oklahoma. He had many fond memories of his love of the farm: the land, the raising of crops, and the enjoyment, responsibility and playful pleasure of interacting with the farm animals. Along with his siblings, D.C. shared many humorous and memorable stories with his family about life on the farm.
After moving to Oklahoma City, he married the love of his life, Johnnie Ellen Fisher, on June 3, 1960. As an adoring husband and a devoted wife, each had different strengths; yet the two operated as one, always being a united couple in all life brought their way. Don and Johnnie were blessed with three daughters: Joan Ellen Peterson (Timothy), Anna Denise Shinnick (Larnie), and Dana Carol Grabovetz (Gregory). He was dearly loved by his daughters and five grandchildren: Jeremiah Ray Peterson (Natasha), Kathleen Anne Shinnick-Pace (Ethan), Lauren Michelle Shinnick-King (Dylan), George Donald Grabovetz, and John Gregory Grabovetz as well as great grandchildren: Raina Michelle Peterson, Virginia Elizabeth Peterson, expected Baby Pace in March 2022, and multiple nieces and nephews. As a compassionate father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle, his legacy will live on through his family.
Enticed by the Rocky Mountains, Don and Johnnie made a move to Colorado Springs in August of 1968. They were fortunate to raise and nurture their family in the beautiful mountains.
As a dependable, loyal employee, Don worked in retail grocery for Safeway Stores both in Oklahoma and Colorado. After 44 years of dedicated service, he retired to spend more time with family and friends. During retirement years Don and Johnnie enjoyed touring which included travel to see family and travel with family and friends around all of the contiguous states, Alaska, and internationally. Ultimately, he cherished most the time spent in his beloved mountains of Colorado. Don loved to drive, hike, camp, fish, and hunt. His girls were raised participating in all of these activities. He was always on hand to be involved and help in family endeavors including hunting in the mountains of Colorado with Joan, attending Irish dance competitions with Anna’s family, and farming with Dana’s family in New Jersey, as well as many other activities.
Don and Johnnie, along with their girls, joined First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs during the 1970’s. As a quiet-spirited man his life showed his love of the Lord to all around him through his actions, demeanor, and lifestyle. Believing in God’s promises he professed his faith in Jesus Christ and is now healed from his disease – Christ has won the battle! Many were blessed by his life. Don’s joyful chuckle and cute smile will be fondly remembered by all who loved him dearly.
His memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, October 23rd at 1 p.m. Please use the Weber Street entrance. The service will be held in the Cathedral Room. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church Board of Deacon Fund.