Lonnie James Horn's Obituary
Lonnie James Horn passed away after a long illness on Friday, August 10, 2012, at home. He was born on November 2, 1925, in DuQuoin, Illinois, the son of Fannie and Fred Horn. He was married to Jean Reiger on June 15, 1947, at the First Methodist Church in Herrin, Illinois. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Lonnie is survived by his wife, Jean, one son and daughter-in-law, Gregory and Cheryl Horn; one granddaughter, Lauren Elizabeth Horn; one brother, Franklin D. and his wife, Lyda; two sisters-in-law, Georgia Horn and Hilda (Reiger) Minter; nieces and nephews: Victoria and Gregory Sprehe; Jim and Theresa Horn; Tammy and John Streuter; Teresa and Jeff Armit; Scott Horn; Sheri Jenkins; Tom and Charmaine Horn, Cecil Wayne and Jackie Horn; Jean Ellen and Rick McNeill; and Ron and Jeannie Minter. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Gomen Reiger and Lulla (Crain) Reiger Goff; and brothers Dewey Wayne and Thomas R. Horn; and brother-in-law Bob D. Minter. Lonnie attended Carterville Community High School and, after completing his service in the Navy, Morris Harvey College in Charleston, West Virginia. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 23, 1943, traveling approximately 250,000 miles during his tours of duty. He was in the action during the Battle of Southern France; was involved in D-Day taking troops from ships by landing craft to Omaha Beach, returning with wounded servicemen to a hospital ship positioned a few miles from shore. He was in many areas of the world, including England, France, Africa, India, Guam, ChiChi Gima, New Zealand, Australia, and was in the fleet on the way to Japan when the war ended. His assignment after the war was to Bikini Atoll, where he was involved in a large fleet moving civilians from Bikini Atoll to other islands via landing craft; then delivering animals and other matter to Bikini for testing purposes. He piloted the landing craft at one point taking Admiral Blandy to the island for inspection before the test. Two atomic bombs were dropped. The first atomic bomb test was called Able, while the second test was below the water surface and was called Baker. Many ships were involved in the test. Lonnie was on the U.S. George Clymer (APA 27), located about 8 miles from the test sights. At the time of the explosions, the crew stayed on the deck, with arms folded, and their heads down. He completed his enlistment on December 31, 1946. After his marriage, he lived in Herrin and Energy. Illinois, where he was involved in establishing Herrin Teen Town; he was on the Energy Village Board; was involved in the Boy Scouts, was active in the Masonic Lodge, the Herrin Junior Chamber of Commerce, and other activities. He was a member of the Herrin United Methodist Church during the time he was in Herrin and Energy, the Herrin Masonic Lodge, became a 32nd degree Shriner with two of his brothers in Springfield, transferred membership to the Pinckneyville United Methodist Church after moving to Pinckneyville in 1973, where he was active in Men's Brotherhood at the church. His work history included butchering in grocery stores, traveling in sales work, and then his work with Phelps Dodge Cable and Wire in DuQuoin until he became disabled in 1984. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Monday, August 13, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Jim Barnett officiating. Interment will be in Egyptian Memorial Gardens, Herrin, IL at 1:30 p.m. Visitation services will be at the First United Methodist Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children or First United Methodist Church. Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL is in charge of arrangements.
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