Walter C. Van Horn

Walter C. Van Horn, Jr. 83, of New Philadelphia passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 25, 2015 in Country Club Retirement Campus following a courageous health battle.

Born in Barberton, Ohio on February 9, 1932, he was the son of the late Walter C. and Evelyn M. (Roth) Van Horn, Sr.

After graduating from Barberton High School, he continued his formal education at the University of Akron where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree.

Walt then joined the United States Army where he honorably served his country, spending two years as a Lieutenant.

His professional career began with Babcock & Wilcox. Then, he worked with Rockwell Manufacturing. For 10 years, Walt served as superintendent of Electrical Products with the former Joy Manufacturing. He then joined the firm of Parker Hannifin in Cleveland where he was employed for 10 years until his retirement.

Walt’s love for volunteerism was evident in the many organizations he supported including his involvement with the ALS Family Support Group, where he was Chairman of the board of directors. He also gave of his time to raise money and volunteer at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Walt loved sports and especially was an avid Cleveland Indians fan.

Walt was involved with American Grease as a manager for 4 years in the 1990s. He also was the owner of Saxum Records, Inc. His faith was nurtured at Grace Lutheran Church in Dover.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, the former Phyllis L. Murphy, whom he wed October 15, 1997; his children, Karen (companion, David Morrison) Braman of Norton, Jennie (Jim) Breznak of Dover, Sherry (John) Vlad of New Philadelphia, Sharon (Marty) Garner of New Philadelphia, Marcia Van Horn of Kent; Robert (partner, J.C. Johns) Van Horn of Greenwood, Indiana, and David (fiancé, Dawn Marie Owens) Van Horn of Cape Coral, Florida; his grandchildren, Brandon Vlad, Michael and Joel Wagner, Jimmy, Alex, and Katelyn Breznak, Jason Corbin, and Joshua Van Horn; 7 great-grandchildren; and sons-in-law, Barry Braman and Mark Wagner.

In addition to his parents, Walt was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Van Horn.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. A service celebrating Walt’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. with The Rev. William Haggis officiating. Cremation will be cared for through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory and inurnment will follow at Dover Burial Park.

Memorial contributions in memory of Walt may be directed to the Union Hospital Association, Attn: Monte Ball, 659 Boulevard, Dover, Ohio 44622 for the benefit of the Lauren Emergency Center Campaign.