Les V. Horn

Les Horn, was born February 18, 1930, to Arthur and Goldie Horn. He was raised in Las Animas with his siblings Calvin, Vernon, and Wilma. Les was an avid outdoorsman he enjoyed hunting and fishing well into his later years. His greatest joy though came from passing down the art of fly fishing to his son-in-law’s and grandsons. After raising five daughters Les always jumped at the chance to spend time with the guys. His love for the outdoors started early and at the age of 14, while out bird hunting, his shotgun accidentally discharged sending a spray of pellets into his arm. He ran to a road where he was picked up by a Good Samaritan and was taken to the La Junta Hospital where he stayed for three months. There were few visitors able to make the trek to the hospital, so when Les wanted to go home, he would hitchhike the 30 miles home to see his family.

He fed his desire for adventure in 1948 when at the age of 18, he moved to Alaska to work in construction. He had his fill of adventure after the engine of their single-engine airplane failed flying high above the Alaskan wilderness. It was after this incident Les chose to drive most anywhere he and his bride traveled over the next nearly 70 years. Les was a devoted and loving husband to Lenora until her passing in October 2019. Les took her on their first date for her 16th birthday and the rest was history. He made headlines when he mailed her engagement ring to Las Animas from Alaska in 1950. They eloped to Raton and were married on May 17, 1951. Together they raised five daughters and countless neighborhood kids in Springfield where they made their home.

Affectionally known as grandfather, he will be remembered for his ornery crooked grin, his aviator sunglasses and the motorcycle rides he doled out to each grandkid during their summer visits to Springfield. Although he will be greatly missed the family finds great solace in the reunion of Les and Lenora in Heaven and we celebrate the life and legacy left behind.

Les is survived by daughters, Vickie Miller of Ft. Collins, Valerie (Ron) Porter of Springfield, Vonda (Jerry) Jones of Crestone, Vanessa (Matt) Steed of Colorado Springs, and Verleen (Kevin) Karney of La Junta; grandchildren, Clay (AJ) Miller, Hayley (Josh) Butler, Michaela (Nick) Collins, Brian Porter, Kara Porter, Jesse Jones, Laura (Dan) Gaeta, Lindsay Steed, Lacy Steed, Katelyn (Cade) Luckett, Aislyn (Keaton) Hatch; great-grandchildren, Reese Porter, Lenora Butler, Sadie Butler, and Georgie Miller. He was preceded in death by his wife Lenora; his parents Arthur and Goldie; his granddaughter, Sommer Porter; and siblings Calvin, Vernon, Wilma and infant sister Alma.

The family has chosen a private burial in Las Animas.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Arkansas Valley Hospice, PO Box 408, La Junta, CO 81050 direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.