Robert "Buz" Van Horne
June 5, 1943 ~ November 4, 2022
Born in:
Jackson, Kentucky
Resided in:
Fletcher, North Carolina
Robert “Buz” Van Horne, 79, of Fletcher, died Friday, November 4, 2022 in his residence.
Born in Jackson, KY, he was the husband of Mary “Bobo” Van Horne, and the son of the late Robert Marion and Elizabeth (Riddell) Van Horne. He was also preceded in death by two sisters.
Buz was a member of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church.
Buz was ordained as a Pastor in the Lutheran Church in America in 1970. He served in Redeemer Lutheran, Charleston, SC; Christ Lutheran in Cape Coral, FL; Holy Trinity Lutheran in Hickory, NC; Redeemer Lutheran in Newberry, SC; and Trinity Lutheran in St. Petersburg, FL.
An accomplished bassoonist and contrabassoonist, Buz played in the Lexington, KY Philharmonic; Charleston, SC Symphony; Southwest Florida Symphony, Fort Myers, FL; Asheville Symphony; South Carolina Philharmonic, Columbia, SC; and Tampa Bay Symphony. He also played the organ.
Along with his wife, Buz also ministered by welcoming and helping to settle many refugee families through the help of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. They started in 1975 with several Vietnamese families. They also assisted families from Bosnia (Islamic), Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Haiti.
In addition to his wife of 55 years, Buz is survived by two sons: Van Van Horne (Jill) of Lenoir, NC and R. Stobo Van Horne (Diana) of Lexington, SC; a daughter, Katherine Van Horne and her partner Tony Bradshaw of Hendersonville; and nine grandchildren: Emma, Elise, Mick, Evan, Julia, Wade, Kate, Max, and Eve.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Fairview with Pastor David Eck officiating. Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the church, from 10-11 AM. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Berea Fund, Berea College, 101 Chestnut St., Berea, KY 40403-9952.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
Services
For those who wish to pay their respects: November 12, 2022 10:00 am - October 11, 2024 11:00 am
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church
801 Charlotte Hwy.
Fairview, NC 28730
Memorial Service: November 12, 2022 11:00 am - October 11, 2024 12:00 pm
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church
801 Charlotte Hwy.
Fairview, NC 28730
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I have so many memories from so many years of loving this guy! (Who else would sit with me at the pizza place and share a side order of anchovies?) I’m sending much love to the whole Van Horne family. We prayed for you all at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Charleston this morning. May God give you all you need as you walk together through this time; I pray that he will guard your hearts and fill them with grateful memories of love, laughter, music, and a shared faith in the One who keeps all his promises.
Buz was a wonderful colleague and friend. I called on him when we were both in Charleston, SC. We differed greatly in our musical talents (I had none.), but he did not look down his nose at me. He was a very good conversationalist, and we had some discussions that led to new insights as well as some discussions that were just fun and enjoyable companionship. We shared many bridge games on many wonderful beach vacations together. He was always on the opposing side of my partner and me, and both sides seem to win and lose equally. We will miss his whit and his thoughtfulness.
Pastor Van Horne was a wonderful influence on my faith journey . He was my confirmation pastor and married Wayne and I ! Love and prayers for all your family 🙏
I had the privilege of working with Buz for a short period while he was at Holy Trinity in Hickory, NC. He was a kind, loving person with a wonderful sense of humor ; I missed him far more than he ever knew when he left Holy Trinity to accept another call.
Karla and I join so many in thanking God for Buz and for David, two of our “beach dads” who died last week. Buz was one of my five best friends whose personal and pastoral ministry have deeply influenced my own life as well as the lives of so many others. We send our love and prayers for grace and peace to all of the family.
Dear Ones of Pr. Buz,
Grace and peace from our Lord Jesus. We share your sorrow at Buz’ passing, but also your joy that hehas now joined the heavenly Orchestra. May you know God’s comfort and surrounding love.
David Sr. & Diana
it was such a shock to hear of Pastor’s death. my prayers are with the family.
Juan Oyola
Deepest sympathy
I was saddened to learn of Buzz passing. He certainly enriched the many lives of those he met. I think God for his ministry.
Sincerely, Loretta Stephenson
We are blessed for having Buzz be part of our lives. Prayers of thanks giving and for comfort to you, Bobo
We are blessed for having Buzz be part of our lives. Prayers of thanks giving and for comfort to you, Bobo
Sincerely, Sue and Ed