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 Horsman (Sandy), Nancy Vega, and Steve Horsman (Tracy); sisters-in-law: Linda Warner (Randy) and Lisa Lyons (Dan).
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 (www.pancan.org).
deborah gutwein
27 Sep 2024Susan and family: I am so sorry to hear about John. You are in my thoughts and prayers . I have memories of you two as high school sweethearts. Sending you hugs❤️ Debbie(Loy) Gutwein
Will Pennington
27 Sep 2024Two of my three years in VP-11 were served under Captain Horsman. During his tour as XO and CO, VP-11 was the squadron most recognized for excellence in ASW, Weapons, and Aircraft Maintenance. It was Pony’s leadership and encouragement that allowed me to be selected for commissioning as an Officer. He was a boots on the hangar deck leader who never failed to take care of the Maintenance department. He was a warrior and a great person.
My sincere condolences to Pony’s family.
Rest in Peace, Skipper.
ADCS Gregory Bone Ret.
27 Sep 2024Pony. I was a pleasure to have served and worked for you. I once remember we needed to get a functional check flight done on a late Friday. Not only did you volunteer but you also helped round up a crew so we could get it done. It is with deep sorrow that you have been taken from us far to soon. Prayers for your family and wishing you Fair winds until we meet again.
Nick Varnau
27 Sep 2024Susan and Family, we cannot say enough about what a lovely and caring person John was… and will be deeply
missed by many. Nick & Roxie Varnau
Brenda Jinks
28 Sep 2024Susan, thinking of you and your family. John was a great classmate . We have many wonderful memories of you and John. May God bless you with strength and love. Brenda Runyon-Jinks
Bruce Hedges
28 Sep 2024Susan I am so sorry for your loss of John. RIP
Gary Bumgardner
28 Sep 2024Captain Horsman, it was a great opportunity and honor to have served with you in VP-11 at NAS Brunswick, Maine. I truly enjoyed flying with you as your Flight Engineer. Go with God and may you rest in peace, you will be surely missed 🙏.
Gary Bumgardner
Michael Clarke
28 Sep 2024Flew with “Pony” in VP 23 as his Flight Engineer. One of the best. Our families condolences. He was a wonderful human being. May he now rest well.
Very respectfully,
Michael Clarke
Glenn Ford
29 Sep 2024Skipper, it was my absolute pleasure serving with you in two commands. My sincere condolences to your family and everyone who had pleasure of knowing you. My god bring comfort your family.
Glenn Ford
Diane Bosworth Fraundorfer
29 Sep 2024Susan, I am so sorry for your loss!! Keeping you and your family in my prayers. You and John always made the greatest looking couple !!!
Respectfully,
Diane Bosworth Fraundorfer
Steve Young
29 Sep 2024The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for CAPT Horsman’s 29 years of distinguished service to our country in the Navy. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
John E Dedon
1 Oct 2024Susan and the boys, I’m so sorry for your loss. John was one of my best friends and I was proud to know and serve with him.
Julie Boettger
2 Oct 2024Susan I am so very sorry for the loss of the love of your life, John. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.