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John Horsman Obituary
July 2, 1952
September 19, 2024
Capt. John Horsman, Jr. (USN Ret.), 72, passed away at home on September 19, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a resident of Colorado Springs for 21 years after a 29-year career as a naval aviator took him all over the world.
John, or "Pony" (as most people knew him), was born on July 2, 1952, to John and Janice (Morehous) Horsman in Muncie, IN. He was a 1970 graduate of Portland High School in Portland, Indiana, where he met his future wife, Susan (Heniser). They were married on July 6, 1974, and both graduated from Purdue University in December 1974.
Pony had a distinguished career in the Navy, retiring as a Captain in 2004. He served in Patrol Squadrons VP-5 and VP-30 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL. In 1983 he reported to the Philippines as Flag Secretary onboard Commander Carrier Group 5/Commander Task Force 70. During this period, he embarked aboard USS Midway and USS Carl Vinson. His travels then took him to NAS Brunswick, Maine. While serving as the XO of VP-11, the squadron deployed in direct support of Operation Desert Storm, and he assumed command the following year. His staff tours took him to both EUCOM and USSPACECOM and he served as the Executive Assistant to two different 3-Star Admirals and a 4-Star General. He subsequently served as the Chief of Staff/Inspector General of the Naval Research Laboratory and earned a master's degree from the Naval War College. After retiring from the Navy, he went on to work for the Missile Defense Agency at Schriever AFB.
Pony loved golf, hunting, fishing, and competitive shooting. He was nationally certified as a Range Officer for USPSA shooting matches.
He found ample time for all his hobbies and his family after retiring from the Navy. Never one to sit around idly, he was highly active with the Eisenhower Men's Golf Association at the USAFA. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 2017 and served as vice-president and president before stepping down due to his illness.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Susan; his two sons: John III and Zachary; and his siblings: David (Sandy), Nancy, and Steve (Tracy).
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Shrine of Remembrance "America the Beautiful" Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
Memorials in John's name may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network)).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Horsman
6 Entries
Mike Allen, LT, USN, Ret.
April 23, 2025
I was an enlisted sailor with Carrier Group 5 and LCDR Horsman, at the time, was my top boss. He was cool, calm and collective and treated everyone fairly. I´m so sorry to for your loss. John was truly a good man.
Jamie and Janet
October 23, 2024
A rare moment ashore in Olongapo, Philippines with CTF-77 staff and wives around 1983. Fond memories with John and Susan.
Naval Research Lab
October 5, 2024
Worked w/John when he was working at the Naval Research Laboratory! He was a joy to work with AND more important he loved to play golf. My sympathies to his bride (Susan) and his kids. Thx for the memories Pony and God bless your wife and family sir
Charley Wittenberg
September 27, 2024
John and I met on the Pensacola "Remedial" Cross-Country Run course in Pensacola, at the beginning of our flight training in March, 1975. We paced each other and both passed that "second" attempt! In April, 1976, we found ourselves in the same class at the VP-30 RAG, and learned that we were going to be squadron mates at VP-5! As that tour came to a close in 1979, John and I both got orders to be instructors at VP-30! Then, in 1982, I got orders to the USS Midway, homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, as ship's company. Pony was laughing at me because I had to go to an aircraft carrier, but then we found ourselves together on the Midway, because that was his Admiral's flag ship in Westpac! Just when you'd think, well, that's their last tour together, we both found ourselves going through the RAG at VP-30 and with orders to VP-23 in Brunswick, Maine!
How fortunate I was to have spent 11 of my first 13 years in the Navy as a shipmate, squadron mate, and close personal friend to John Horsman!
Pony and Susan came to visit Linda and me in the Villages in 2021, and it was great to get the chance to play some golf! I never could beat him, but always blamed it on the fact that he had nicer golf clubs!!
The fact is that Pony was a great guy, an outstanding Naval Officer and Pilot, and a dear friend. I admired him, and I love him like a brother!
Rest in peace, John! And thank you for the memories that I will carry with me until we meet again on the other side!!
Charley Wittenberg
CDR U.S. Navy (Retired)
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Frank DeGarmo
September 27, 2024
See you around Pony.
Doug "Pooh Bear" Mitchell
September 26, 2024
I had the privilege of flying with John "Pony" Horsman during his Junior Officer Tour with VP-5 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a great P-3 Pilot and an even better person. God Bless all of his Family and Friends! Rest in Peace Sir! Your old Flight Engineer Chief and friend.
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