Richard "Dick" Giffin Horn

Richard G. (Dick) Horn passed away September 15, 2024 at St. Luke's South Hospital. Dick was born in Kansas City, Missouri to parents Albert F. Horn and Jeanne Mansfield Horn. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Judy Strafer Horn, two sons Richard Christopher Horn (Heather), Boise, Idaho; Ryan Mansfield Horn (Vika), Pointe Vedra, Florida; three grandchildren, Emily Horn, Kyra Horn and Evan Horn; his brother. Robert Horn, and sister Barbara Horn.

Dick grew up in Kansas City where he attended Border Star elementary school and Southwest High School. After high school, he went to the University of Missouri one year and then switched to the University of Kansas where he became a true Jayhawk. He graduated with a major in Business and Journalism. After graduation he signed up with the Air Force Reserve and ended up spending 11 months of active duty at Richards Gebaur Air Force Base. In September 1962 he became a civilian and took a job in sales with Hallmark Cards. Dick was in sales 2 years before moving to Product Management to manage Christmas and Valentines boxed cards. The last 3 years of his 24-year career with Hallmark was in Product Marketing. After he left Hallmark, he held several positions in sales and management with printing companies Z Label, Guidebook Publishing, and was a partner in The Lowell Press.

In 1965 he met Judy Strafer at the Georgetown Apartment pool through mutual friends. The rest, as they say, is history. Four months later they were engaged. They were married June 18, 1966 at Country Club Christian Church. They found the right match as they celebrated 58 years of love, June 18, 2024. In 1968 Dick and Judy moved to a new house in a wonderful neighborhood at 95th and Knox in Overland Park. To this day, they remained close friends with many of their neighbors. Fifteen years later, they moved to Leawood where they made new friends, and Dick became involved in The Leawood Arts Council.

Dick was a proud father of their two sons, Chris and Ryan, and enjoyed participating in their activities. He was a leader in the YMCA Indian Guides, coached baseball when they were in grade school, and rarely missed a baseball or basketball game when often, there were two in one day. However, Dick's favorite sport was fishing. When the boys were young, they had a houseboat on the Lake of the Ozarks. Almost every weekend they would drive to the Lake, to swim, fish, and cruise the Lake. This was Dick's happy place. Vale, Colorado was also a favorite spot. Once baseball season was over for the boys, they would pack up the car and drive to Vale for two weeks of rest and relaxation, and fun. Many happy memories were made there.

Dick was very active in Church and the community. In 1977 he was the youngest Chairman elected to the Official Board of Country Club Christian Church. He is a past President of the Anniversary Class and a past Chairman of the Board of Elders, as well as a Life Elder. In the community, Dick served on the Board of Big Brothers of Kansas City, and as an Advisor to Junior Achievement. He was President of the Carriage Club, served on The Midwest Ear Institute Board of Directors, was a member of the Leawood Arts Council, a past President of The New Theatre Guild, and an active member of downtown Rotary 13.

Dick was a kind and generous man who loved being with family and friends. One of his great joys was spending time with his grandchildren. He was so pleased to be able to attend Emily's high school graduation in 2022. Another great joy was spending the day with Kyra and Evan at the Deanna Rose Farmstead or playing a game of Mexican Train. Although there was distance between them, he kept in contact with them and their activities.

For many years the highlight of the summer was the Fourth of July party on the patio with family and friends. There were decorations, lots of food, and Dick's fireworks display, (only slightly illegal). Dick loved to barbeque and was a good right hand in the kitchen. Holidays were special to him, and he was always involved in the decorating. A fan of the local teams, he loved the Jayhawks, Royals and Chiefs, and cheered them on, often with friends. Another group he enjoyed for many years was The

Midnighters' Dance Club. Dick was a good dancer, and he and Judy were always on the dance floor. He had a lively spirit. He enjoyed people and made many friends through his church and community. He was a proud and loving Father and Grandfather. As a husband, he was a sweetheart, a helpmate, and confidant. He was a good man.

A celebration of life for Dick will be held Friday, October 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Country Club Christian Church, Combs Chapel, 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri 64113.