Kenneth Ray Horn

Kenneth Ray Horn, a man of optimism, energy, patriotism and musical talents, passed peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Ken was born June 24th, 1929, in Bicknell IN to Kenneth Carl and Ruby Rebecca Horn. He attended Bicknell Grade School, Bicknell High School, and graduated from Bosse High School when he moved to Evansville. After Highschool he attended Bramwell’s Business School and later University of Evansville. The accounting skills he learned at Branwell’s led him to be placed in a position at an Army finance unit in Pusa Korea during the war. While Korea temporarily took him away from his fiancée, it provided many enriching experiences and stories. He was very proud of his service to our country and spoke of it often. He had the opportunity to attend one of the Evansville Honor Flights to DC, which was another highlight in his life. In 1952, Ken returned home to marry Dolores Horn. He sent her bolts of silk from Japan to make her wedding dress. Dolores and Ken raised two children, Michael Kenneth and Deborah Jane (Kohut) and lived on Evansville’s East Side until last year. They were married for 74 years. Ken was a member of Methodist Temple since the churches inception and sang in the church choir until 2023. He also served on several boards, played in the Methodist Brass Band and as a youth helped his mom dust the pews in the church’s sanctuary. He started his career in the office at Fendrich Cigar, where occasionally he would go out on the floor and watch them roll the cigars. From Fendrich accepted a staff position at University of Evansville for 10 years in the Computer Center. He used this opportunity to take additional classes and he also learned pottery. He had a pottery wheel in his basement and crafted several designs. Next up he worked at American Dairy as Purchasing Manager where one of the perks was getting to go down to the line to taste the ice cream. Lastly, he Moved to Swanson Nunn Electric as VP of Purchasing, where he retired in 1994. One common thread throughout Ken’s life was his love of music. He was accomplished on Alto, Tenor and Sparano Saxophone, clarinet and played some piano. His musical talents began in grade school in Bicknell, where he learned to play the saxophone and was quickly recruited into the high school band while he was still in 6th grade. He tells a story that a female cousin had to help him carry his saxophone to school. He also joined the Bosse High School Band. In the Army, they asked for volunteers to play in a big band on the ship over to Korea. He recalled that despite the ship rocking back and forth, they all managed to pull off a great sound and group of nurses on board appreciated the opportunity to dance. He was a member of a number of big bands the most notable The Temple Airs, where he was leader of the band for several years. Temple Airs are a group of musicians who volunteer their talents to raise funds for non-profit groups. Since the early 1980s the band has raised millions for various charities. The Temple Airs performed a two-week tour in Germany where they played at several churches and festivals. He also played in the Tristate Concert band, Jack King Orchestra, Willie Bartley Orchestra, Dejavu, Dixielanders, Holland Milkman Band, Hadi Community Band, Methodist Brass Band. In addition to all of his band gigs he was active in several community organizations. Ken was a Charter member of Evansville Morning Rotary, Past Master of the Daylight Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Hadi Shrine. Ken has been a member of the VFW for over 70 years. Ken was a man of deep faith and his family takes comfort in knowing he has joined his wife Dolores Horn, son Michael Horn, sister Carolyn Poehlein Feuerbach, mother Ruby Horn and father Kenneth Horn and many of his former friends and band members in heaven. Ken’s family left to carry on his teachings and traditions are his daughter Deborah Kohut, (Jeff), Daughter in law Kim Horn, Grandsons Kenny Horn (Mary), Christopher Horn, Josh Wilder, Jeremy Wilder, Granddaughters Heather Horn, Nicolette Leach (Caleb), Great Grand Children Michael Horn and Eleanor Leach. Nephews Greg Poehlein, Steve Poehlein (Gayle), Kurt Georgesen (Kristy). Nieces Susan Poehlein Harris (Jim), Joan Georgesen Glock (Brad). The family would like to thank the loving staff at Solarbron Terrace Assisted Living for giving dad opportunities for engagement and assistance over the past year. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Methodist s Temple. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Kenneth Ray Horn

June 24, 1929 - July 4, 2026