Marshall Golden Horn of Lafayette is resting in peace as of Sunday, June 20, 2021 at the age of 106.
He was born in Warren County, IN on January 10, 1915 to H. Clay Horn and Minnie Alice (Blackwell) Horn. His life was full of adventure, hard times, lots of luck and love. On June 6, 1944, D-Day, Marshall landed on Omaha Beach with the 60th Medical Battalion with the mission of saving lives. He was a true American hero having served his country in the Army and earning the French Legion of Honor Medal in 2015 for his service in World War II. He participated in the Indy Honor flight in 2014 where he was able to fly in a World War II plane at the age of 99. He was the last surviving member of his 60th Medical Battalion unit.
Prior to World War II he worked at Alcoa and was an avid poker and pool player. After returning from the war he was a well-respected businessman owning several businesses in the Greater Lafayette area including: the Park and Eat in the late 40’s, Trader Horn in the late 50’s, and as a partner in a car dealership on the levee in the 40’s. He was the epitome of the greatest generation having survived the loss of his father at age five, the Great Depression, D-Day and two global pandemics. From a young age he learned the value of hard work and throughout his life he instilled those values in those he loved, living by example and always prioritizing the support of his family.
Postwar, he met Dorothy Horn and her two children at the Park and Eat in 1951, they married on September 29, 1952. Marshall was a father to Pamela Pendleton (husband David) and he was a father figure to Jack Gruver (wife Ellen) and R. Darleen (Gruver) Townsley. He was an amazing Grandpa to Andy Gruver (partner Christina Myers), Ryan Townsley (wife Shawne), Jenna Scott (husband Wesley) and Troy Pendleton. His pride and joy was being a Great Grandpa to Kellen and Nora Scott. Marshall is preceded in death by his brother Woodrow Horn, his wife Dorothy Horn and Great Grandson Hudson Scott.
Marshall was an avid fisherman, loved to go to garage sales, was an avid hunter and enjoyed square dancing. He was a skilled salesman and could turn any “trash” into treasure to make a quick buck. In 1977 he started to winter in Okeechobee Florida.
Marshall taught us all to do what makes us happy and to appreciate the value of a dollar. Let us all hope we are as lucky in life and love as he was.
Visitation will be Saturday June 26, 2021 from 2-4pm Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel followed by service at 4pm. Burial services with honors will follow at Tippecanoe Memorial Gardens. The family request in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to American Legion Post 11.