Obituary of Roy Van Horn

Roy Van Horn August 25, 1918 — January 20, 2011 Roy Van Horn was born on August 25, 1918, a son of Harry Zearny and Elizabeth Walters Van Horn. He graduated from Slippery Rock College at the age of 20 and accepted a job in Titusville to teach science and to assist coaching football and basketball. He also earned a Masters degree from University of Pittsburgh. Roy enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1945 and trained in naval communications. While waiting for assignment in Florida, he married his sweetheart, the late Helen Tilghman Van Horn. On his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Titusville to teach health and physical education, and to serve as head football coach and assistant basketball coach. Roy also started wrestling and track teams, and an outdoor program now known as The Wilderness Quest. Roy and his family also established Pioneer Ranch in 1954 to provide camping opportunities for boys and girls. Pioneer Ranch was also the home of many specialized camps, including Northwestern Pennsylvania Football Camp, Allegheny Mountain Basketball Camp, and band camp. During his life, Roy earned many awards, including the Aspinwall Hall of Fame, Titusville Hall of Fame, and Slippery Rock Hall of Fame. He was honored to be a member of the Half Century Football Team and an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church. Survivors are his sister Lyda Geise, daughter Nancy Winans, and sons James Van Horn and Richard and his wife, Barb. Other survivors include grandchildren (Kevin and Keil Patterson, Jessica Van Horn Hageman, Amy Van Horn Richardson, Kristen and Matthew Van Horn) and great grandchildren (Brittany, Jesse, Dillion and Devin Patterson; Ashley, Jake, Chelsea, and Abigail Patterson; Cassie, Joshua, and Reilly May Hageman), and his long-time friend Jean Snow. His brother Harry, sisters Marge, Helen, and Donna, daughter-in-law Dianna, and grandson J.T. Van Horn preceded him in death. The family will honor Roy in a memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church on Sunday afternoon, May 22nd with Dr. Barry E. Cressman, officiating. He will be buried with his beloved wife of over 50 years in the Woodlawn Cemetery. Contributions in Roy’s memory can be made to the First Presbyterian Church or the Titusville High School Alumni Fund.