Floyd Wesley Horath

Floyd was born October 20, 1929 in Decatur, IL, the son of Floyd Harvey and Madelia Marie (Roberts) Horath. He married Barbara Ellen Kuhn of Jewett, IL on June 6, 1956, and she survives.

Also surviving are: One son, Kurtis W. Horath, of Auburn, who works for the State, and companion, Katie Wood, who teaches at Christ the King School; one daughter, Nancy Horath, of Springfield, who recently retired from the State of Illinois as a court reporter working for 32 years; five grandchildren, Aaron and Julia Horath, twins Amy and Brittany Kasper, and Mike Kasper; two great granddaughters, Natalie Horath, 5, and Lilah Breese, 1; one sister, Joan Miller (Chuck), Toledo, and one brother, Rev. Donald Horath (Vickie) of Decatur. Preceding him in death were his parents and two sisters, Virginia (Bill) Esch and Gale (Ed) Dennis.

Floyd proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as Damage Controlman on the U.S.S. Oglethorpe during the Korean War from 1950-1954. He started college at Eastern Illinois University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a minor in zoology graduating in 1959. He returned to college at the University of Illinois-Urbana where he earned his Master of Education degree in 1965. Floyd continued his education earning 48 hours towards a Ph.D. He taught two-and-a-half years in Carlyle, IL. Son, Kurtis Horath, was born in Carlyle in 1961. Floyd moved to Springfield in 1961 where he began teaching at Lanphier High School and taught for 31 years in the work/study program, a program which he helped to pioneer. He enjoyed his job very much.

The biggest compliment he received from a former student was, “He was fair, yet firm.” He was an active member of the NEA, IEA, and SEA, serving as President of the Springfield Education Association for one year. Floyd was a brave and zealous union advocate for his fellow teachers.

Floyd belonged to the First Christian Church of Effingham, Centralia, and Springfield where he was an active member until his older years. He served as Deacon.

Floyd’s hobby was driving cars, especially his beloved Mercedes-Benz. He drove for Isringhausen Imports, Springfield, IL, for many years after his retirement. He also was very interested in politics, helping the Democratic Party.

His family was very devoted to him. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will be sorely missed.

Floyd was an animal lover who firmly believed in the humane, loving treatment of animals. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective Leaugue, 1001 Tainter Rd, Springfield, IL.

Floyd’s family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to the Memorial Home Services Hospice Team for providing such merciful, compassionate care to Floyd at the end of his life.

Services are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield where visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 31, from 10:30 am until time of the funeral service at 11:30 am. The funeral service will also be at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.