John Horsman

Capt. John Horsman Jr. (United States Navy, retired), 72, passed away at home on September 19, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. 

He was a resident of Colorado Springs for 21 years after a 29-year career as a naval aviator took him all over the world.         

John — “Pony,” as most people knew him — was born on July 2, 1952, to John and Janice (Morehous) Horsman in Muncie, Indiana. He was a 1970 graduate of Portland High School in Portland, Indiana, where he met his future wife, Susan (Heniser). They were married on July 6, 1974, and both graduated from Purdue University in December 1974.

Pony had a distinguished career in the navy, retiring as a captain in 2004. He served in Patrol Squadrons VP-5 and VP-30 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. In 1983, he reported to the Philippines as flag secretary onboard Commander Carrier Group 5/Commander Task Force 70. During this period, he embarked aboard USS Midway and USS Carl Vinson. His travels then took him to NAS Brunswick, Maine. While serving as the XO of VP-11, the squadron deployed in direct support of Operation Desert Storm, and he assumed command the following year. His staff tours took him to both EUCOM and USSPACECOM and he served as the executive assistant to two different 3-star admirals and a 4-star general. He subsequently served as the chief of staff/Inspector general of the Naval Research Laboratory and earned a master’s degree from the Naval War College. After retiring from the Navy, he went on to work for the Missile Defense Agency at Schriever AFB.

Pony loved golf, hunting, fishing and competitive shooting. He was nationally certified as a range officer for USPSA shooting matches.

He found ample time for all his hobbies and his family after retiring from the navy. Never one to sit around idly, he was highly active with the Eisenhower Men’s Golf Association at the USAFA. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 2017 and served as vice president and president before stepping down due to his illness.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Susan; his two sons, John III and Zachary; his siblings, David Horsman (Sandy), Nancy Vega and Steve Horsman (Tracy); and sisters-in-law: Linda Warner (Randy) and Lisa Lyons (Dan).

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at the Shrine of Remembrance America the Beautiful Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd,, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Memorials in John’s name may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org).