CDR John
(Jack) Edward Horan, Jr., USN (ret)
WADESBORO -- CDR John (Jack) E. Horan, Jr. died peacefully at Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, on Christmas Eve, 2011 while surrounded by members of his family. He was born in Danbury, Connecticut on June 6, 1927. His parents were John and Julia King Horan. They and his only sister, Elizabeth, preceded him in death.
After high school he enlisted in the
United States Navy and was accepted into the elite Flying Midshipmen program. He was educated at Hampden-Sydney College, Duke University, and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. He served in the U.S. Navy for 30 years in tours with eight flight squadrons, USS Forrestal, USS Lake Champlain, and as Executive Officer of Naval Station, Midway Island. He was a recipient of myriad personal and unit awards, including the
World War II Victory Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his service on the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C. in the late 1960's. After retirement from the Navy in 1975, he became part owner and operator of Horizon Airways in Kirksville, MO. He and his family settled in La Quinta, CA in 1978 where they lived for over 20 years before moving to Wadesboro, NC in 1999 where he spent his last 12 years.
Jack was an accomplished builder of furniture and enjoyed refinishing antiques. For ten years he was skipper of his 30 foot sailboat in Oceanside, CA. He played and enjoyed many sports. He was an avid golfer and always joked about being able to shoot his age. Music was a special love in his life. He played the piano and trombone. For most of his adult life he sang in a church choir. Traveling and camping offered him many hours of fun and adventure. He always looked forward to planning trips across the U.S. and overseas. His ability to fix anything, do anything, fill a room with his jokes and songs were all traits of his generation of which he was a true representative.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Betty Pope Horan and five children: Diane (Don) Horan of Buxton, NC, Dr. Linda Henneman, Waynesboro, VA, Nancy (Mickey) Hardison, Virginia Beach, VA, Leslie (George) Clark, Mechanicsburg, PA, Mark (Leigh) Horan, Bel Air, MD, 8 grandchildren and his beloved terrier, Dillon.
Services will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday, December 28th at Calvary Episcopal Church, Wadesboro, conducted by Reverend Michael Bye. The family will greet guests one hour before the service in the Calvary Episcopal Church Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Service Organization (USO) or Calvary Episcopal Church, PO Box 942, Wadesboro, NC.