After a short fight with cancer, Lyle Gene Horn passed away Sunday, May 2, 2021, at his home in Hay Springs, Nebraska.
Lyle is survived by his wife, Nicolette; son, Mark Horn (Cammy); daughter, Connie Lutz (John); stepdaughter, Cory Gunter (Dwayne); and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings, wife, Yukiko “Cookie”; daughter, Debra, and stepson, Michael.
Lyle was born at the family home in Hay Springs, on November 25, 1936, to William “Bill” and Rose Horn. After graduating from Hay Springs High School in 1956, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served for four years. During this time, he was stationed in Japan, where he met his first wife Yukiko “Cookie” Takeishi. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Lyle and Cookie had three children: Debra, Mark, and Connie. Lyle worked several jobs during his career, retiring after 29 years with the Sheridan County Road Department in 2001. Shortly after his retirement, Cookie began her fight with cancer that ended in May 2006.
A man of many talents and hobbies, Lyle spent time woodworking and was known for making cribbage boards to gift to his loved ones on special occasions. Lyle was also an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent many years breeding and training hunting dogs, but loved all types of dogs, most recently rescuing Chihuahua mixes.
He found new companionship with Nicolette LaDeaux, who shared his love of dogs and fishing, and they married on May 23, 2021. Lyle and Nic spent lots of time together fishing in Walgreen Lake, up until his fight with cancer this spring.
After retiring in 2001, he started touring the Panhandle and surrounding areas on his motorcycle. He was honored and proud to become part of the Sandhills Legion Riders, an organization known for it’s charitable work in the area.
The family wishes to thank all of Lyle’s caregivers, especially those involved with his care the last couple of months, including the Veterans Administrations, Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services, Regional West Medical Center, and the Hay Springs Volunteer Fire Department.
A graveside service will be held at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance, NE on June 18, 2021 at 2:00 PM.