Donald Everett Horne's Obituary
Donald “Pappy” Horne, 94, of Decatur, IL, passed away peacefully in his sleep at 2:45am on Saturday, May 27, 2023. He was born September 9, 1928, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Andrew G. and Dorothy Lehman Horne. He married Cheryl Ruff on April 10,1981, and they were happily married for the next 42 years until his passing. Don was the father of Donald of Higbee, MO, Bruce (deceased), David of Prairie du Rocher, IL, Kara Zeimet of Atwood, IL, and Krista Macari of Shelbyville, IL. He had 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves a sister, Dorothy Gove of Worcester.
Before he retired, Don was head chef at the Country Club of Decatur and the Decatur Club. Don was a talented and well-known woodcarver and builder of muzzleloading rifles. He loved Christmas, storytelling, historical re-enacting, spending time with his family and friends, and traveling with his wife, Cheryl. He enjoyed volunteering at Lincoln’s New Salem, Lincoln Log Cabin, and Rock Springs and was also a longtime member of Antioch Christian Church.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister, Janet Barakian, and his son, Bruce. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Antioch Christian Church or one of the many organizations that he loved being part of. He will be greatly missed and long remembered by all who knew him until we meet again.
Visitation for Donald will be from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, May 30, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10am on Wednesday, May 31, at Antioch Christian Church in Decatur. The family is being served by Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home, which will provide cremation services for Donald at a later date.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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