Van Horn E. Francis

Francis E. Van HornAugust 4, 1914 - December 24, 2010 Francis Earl Van Horn, 96, of Deshler, Ohio died Friday morning, December 24, 2010 at The Heritage, Findlay, Ohio. He was born August 4, 1914 in Hoytville, Ohio to the late Clarence Raymond and Louisa Jane (Spence) Van Horn. On August 25, 1940 he married Martha Marie Hoops at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Deshler and she survives. Francis was a 1932 graduate of Jackson Township-Hoytville High School. He served with the CCC from 1934-1936. He worked for over 39 years with the B&O Railroad. He spent many years working freight train activity in Willard, Ohio and Defiance, Ohio and numerous years on passenger train service from Akron to Chicago. He retired in 1977. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Deshler for over 60 years and formerly served on church council. He was active with the Deshler Band Boosters, Athletic Boosters and helped organize the original Corn City Festivals. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, storytelling and spending as much time as possible with his family. He is survived by his wife, Martha Van Horn; sons, Jerald (Mary) Van Horn, Temperance, Michigan and Douglas (Carol) Van Horn, Greenwood, Indiana; daughter, Sandra (Dennis) Cooper, Findlay, Ohio; 6 grandchildren, Kris (Jerry) Ravotti, Todd (Tammy) Van Horn, Tracey (Kyle) Nash, Brad (Melissa) Van Horn, Shannon (Jason) Wartgow and Kari (Matt) Kramb; 9 great grandchildren; and two brothers, Carl (Theresa) Van Horn, Oswego, New York and Robert (Doris) Van Horn, North Baltimore, Ohio. He was preceded in death by a brother, Orley Van Horn and four sisters, Phyllis Van Horn, Bernice Benedict, Mildred Gerdeman, and Helen Wolf. Funeral services will be held at10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Deshler with Pastor Meg Knape officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler and a luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Wednesday prior to the services at the church. The family suggests memorials be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church; Bridge Home Health & Hospice or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be made at www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Van Horn E. Francis

December 24, 2010