Richard Earl Horn

September 26, 1937 – March 31, 2023

Richard Earl Horn was born September 26, 1937, in Emporia, Kansas to parents, Ira and Alberta Horn. Richard was their first-born son, one of five boys and four girls. As a child, Richard was active in sports, hunting, and fishing. His family had

little means, so they kept busy playing numerous boardgames, cards, and dominos in which Richard excelled and usually won. Richard was a star athlete and earned a full scholarship at the College of Emporia (COE).

Richard made his mark and was inducted into the 1963 Athletic Hall of Fame.

After graduating high school, he attended one year of college COE.

He then took a hiatus to serve in the army for two years. While stationed in Germany with special services, he played basketball and football throughout Europe. Following his military service, he returned to Kansas and completed a degree in engineering at COE while continuing to excel at football. During this time, he met Bonnie at a roller rink, and it was love at first sight. The Dallas Cowboys recruited him play but he refused due to Bonnie did not want him to get injured.

In 1961, Richard married the love of his life Bonita (Bonnie) McGaugh. After marriage, Richard and Bonnie moved to California where he was the first Black Athletic Director I the city of Long Beach, California. Together they had a son, Richard (Rick), and daughters Courtney and Kimberlin.

Richard followed in Bonnie’s footsteps realizing his spiritual interests while studying the Bible with his Aunt Levada. He was baptized