George William Van Horne

What's there to say about George Van Horne? When it came to George, he wasn't about so much saying, but doing. George was a man of many wonderful things. He was a kind man of goals, hard work, action and intellect. George W. Van Horne was born in Sterling, Illinois in 1928 to Bertha White and Robert Van Horne. As a tenacious youngster, George worked a bevy of jobs to earn extra money to fund his extracurricular activities, also while attending school. He attended Carthage College, where he met, fell in love with, and married Dorothy M. Howard in 1950. George ultimately majored in Biology and went on to get his Masters in teaching. His passion for learning led him to pursue a career at Deerfield High School and later at various schools in Pinellas County. George's love for educating young minds and helping others transcended beyond the classroom and into every day life. George has lived through and accomplished many things; he served in the Korean War, was a beloved teacher, and a devout Christian, but his greatest influence has been on his family. To them, he will always be a cherished friend, father, brother, husband, grandfather and most of all, a hero, a hero whose presence still radiates in the hearts of those who loved him most. This man's hard work and action will live on through his granddaughter, Courtney, and in her talent he loved so much. His kind heart will live on through his daughter, Lori, who he relied on to be so strong. His quick wit and intellect will beam through his grandson, Tim, who was (and still is) the spitting image of his grandfather. He can also rest easy knowing that his son-in-law, Ernie, will keep everyone safe and happy. January 7th, 2015 is the day George Van Horne indeed "passed on", but not passed away. He "passed on" to his family and friends the power to fight, to dream, to joke and most of all to love. He has finally joined Dorothy at their little cottage in Heaven. Come celebrate George's legacy at 1:00 P.M. on February 21st at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 11220 Oakhurst Road, Largo, FL 33774 followed by Celebration of Life at 3:00 P.M. at 10600 42nd Court North, Clearwater, FL 33762. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Van Horne, George William, went to Heaven the morning of January 7, 2015; he was finally ready to join his beloved wife Dorothy. George had a fulfilling life achieved through hard-work and facilitated by his own loving, kind heart. With his grandchildren, Courtney and Timmy, He instilled the idea that you should always believe in yourself, and with a little sweat and grit, you can make your dreams come true! Even though he is gone physically, he will live on through the lives and achievements of his grandchildren because he always was and still is their biggest fan. "When you have a talent like you do, never give up on it", he used to say. George was smart, always keen on learning and growing in both positive and negative situations. His life story can attest to that and he'd expect his family to be sad, but also expect them to understand… understand that even though he is gone, they will grow stronger, learn greater, and work harder and would expect nothing less. George indeed passed on, not passed away. He "passed on" the power to fight, to dream, to joke and most of all to love. George leave behind to cherish his memory daughter, Elvira (Ernesto); grandchildren, Courtney and Timmy. His memorial service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Largo.