LTC Charles W. "Chuck" Horner
The family of Lieutenant Colonel Charles W "Chuck" Horner, US Army, (Retired) mourns his passing on Friday February 6, 2026, after a lengthy battle with the ravages resulting from prolonged and extensive exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam.
He was born November 26, 1947, in Hays, Kansas to Rufus "Jack" and Viola (Bradley) Horner. He was a 1965 graduate of Ellis High School. He earned his bachelor's degree and master's Degree from Kansas State University and completed post-graduate studies in Executive Leadership at the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business. Chuck was also a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS.
Chuck was extremely proud of his military lineage. He was the Son, Grandson, Brother, and Nephew of men who all served their country in the US Army. Chuck served 27 years (1967 - 1994) on active duty in a distinguished career with the US Army, first as an Infantryman and then as an Armor Officer. He served multiple tours in combat including Vietnam, Panama, and Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
Chuck rose far above the call of duty. In recognition of Chuck's demonstrated performance, he earned thirty-nine individual awards and decorations. Chuck's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (3), National Defense Service Medal (4), Vietnam Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Vietnam Cross Palm of Gallantry, Vietnam Campaign Award (4), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5), Saudi Arabia-Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Wings, and the Honorable Order of St. George Medallion. His military career was in keeping with the US Army Warrior's ethos; Always place the mission first - Never accept defeat - Never quit - Never leave a fallen comrade behind. Chuck believed it, he lived it.
Upon retirement from the US Army, Chuck spent 20 years with Northrop Grumman Corporation, rising to the position of Director for Information Technology Development. Chuck was a Certified Program Management Professional (PMP) and was responsible for the development of numerous Combat Command and Control (C2) systems for use by the US Army and the USMC. Chuck also guided numerous critical Research and Development projects earning Chuck the prestigious President's Award for Innovation.
Chuck spent more than 17 years as an adult Boy Scout leader, including terms as a Scoutmaster in Germany, Kansas, Saudi Arabia, and California. Chuck was a member of the Order of the Arrow Honor Society.
Chuck made a life-long commitment to serve his country and his community. He was grateful for our freedom and never missed the opportunity to recognize the men and women who defend that right.
Chuck was an avid football fan, both professional and collegiate. He loved the Kansas State Wildcats, the Kansas City Chiefs, any NFL team with a Kansas State graduate on their roster, and whoever was playing the University of Oklahoma.
Chuck was a great consumer of life. He loved the outdoors, spending his free time; parachuting, Snow Skiing, Mountaineering, Backpacking, trekking to the Base Camp at Mount Everest, Pistol and Rifle shooting, Off-Roading in the desert and mountains in his treasured Jeep, and camping. Chuck once calculated he had lived outdoors for more than 12 years. He lived to savor the Adrenaline Rush.
Chuck lived his life in service to his country, his family, and his fellow Soldiers. Chuck was both a leader and a mentor to countless soldiers and myriad past employees. His sons and daughters looked up to their father and valued his advice and compassion. Chuck was known for his integrity, passion for whatever he was engaged in, and high ethical standards. The entire family will greatly miss Chuck, as a friend, a mentor, and for his sage advice.
Chuck was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1786, American Legion Post 17, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the United Methodist Church, and the Kansas State Alumni Association.
Chuck married Meg Melian in 1980 in Potsdam, NY. This marriage was later dissolved. Despite Chuck's global travels, he found the love of his life right back in in his hometown of Ellis, Kansas, and married Debra Ann (Mayes) Horner in their home church, the United Methodist Church in Ellis, Kansas in 1999.
Those left behind to mourn his passing include his loving wife Debbie of the home, three daughters Brianna Gerlach, Colorado, Kristin Patterson and husband Travis, New York, and Katelyn Descuatan and husband Ace, Kansas; two sons, Charles W. Horner II, New York, Brian Coker, California, and twelve grandchildren whom Chuck loved dearly, Michael Kai, Trevor Lance, Thomas Luke, Tobias Lawrence, Ariye Dakota, Stewart Matthew, Natalee Faith, Trayden Neil, Lucas Scott, Logan Matthew, Liam Joshua, and Charles Wayne Ill.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jack, four sisters: Lois, Jean, June, and Bonnie, and a Son-In-Law, Matt.
Visitation will be at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan, from 6:00 until 7:30p.m. Monday February 16, 2026.
A celebration of Chuck's life will be at 10:00a.m. Tuesday February 17, 2026, at the College Avenue United Methodist Church at 1609 College Avenue, Manhattan, KS. Graveside ceremony and Interment will be at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at 5181 Wildcat Creek Road, Manhattan, KS 66503.
Memorials are suggested to Chuck Horner Grandchildren's College Fund. Please may checks payable to Chuck Horner Grandchildren's College Fund and contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502. www.ymlfuneralhome.com
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of LTC Chuck Horner, who made a life-long commitment to serve his country. We give thanks for our freedom, and to recognize the men and women who defend that right.