John Dwayne Horn, 65, a lifelong resident of Maineville, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on August 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born November 21, 1960, in Cincinnati, Ohio, John was the son of the late DeWitt and Mary Frances “Frankie” (nee Hicks) Horn. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Stacy (nee Bartlett) Horn; his daughter, Jessica (Nick) Brown; his son, Dustin Horn; and his three beloved granddaughters, Grace Marie Horn (Sweetie Sweet), Lela Lynn Dixon (Baggins) and Artie Ann Frances “Frankie” Brown (Frankie Girl). He is also survived by his brothers, William Sutherland and Larry Sutherland and his sister, Dianne (Ron) Pennix; numerous nieces and nephews; and many extended family members, friends and colleagues who loved him dearly.

John married his high school sweetheart on September 11, 1982 and was a loving and devoted husband and father and doting grandfather. He was a charter member of Fellowship Baptist Church, where he faithfully served in the nursery, helped care for the church and often served as the grill master at church events. He and Stacy were active participants in their Sunday School class where they formed many lasting friendships.

John graduated from Little Miami High School in 1979 as class president and student athlete. He excelled in both football and baseball earning All-FAVC honors in both sports. He later returned to LMSD as an employee for 16 years and served as union president of Little Miami Local 516. After leaving LM, he spent the next 23 years with OAPSE as a Field Representative for the Southwest Ohio District, where he tirelessly represented over 2,000 union members in over 20 school districts, and made a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. He retired on February 1, 2026.

John had a deep passion for Little Miami Athletics and the Panther community. He and Stacy proudly raised their children in the district where he had the joy of helping coach his daughter, Jessica, to a Hall of Fame career for softball and basketball; and son, Dustin, to a stellar Varsity basketball career. John was inducted into the 2020 Class of the Little Miami Athletic Hall of Fame as an assistant coach of the 1992 state playoff football team. This was a special memory for him and his family as his daughter was inducted alongside him into the same class.

John was known and respected by many as “Coach Horn” as he coached football and softball at the high school level and football, basketball, baseball and softball at the elementary level. He mentored and helped shape the lives of countless young athletes and is revered by all who was lucky enough to call him Coach. After his coaching career, he umpired baseball and softball and refereed football and basketball. He was a loyal fan of the Cincinnati Reds, UC Bearcats, The Ohio State Buckeyes (O-H!) and the Cincinnati Bengals (Who Dey!).

In his later years, he was an avid golfer and loved spending time on the course with many friends and family. He and Stacy shared a love of travel and were enthusiastic cruisers, visiting many wonderful places and making friends wherever they went. He proudly wore the title “Papaw John” and his most cherished times was spent with his granddaughters, who were his whole world.

John will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his love for Panther Nation, his willingness to serve others and the many friendships he made throughout his life. His legacy will live on through his family, his former athletes and all those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

Family and friends will be received from 5-8 PM on Wednesday, August 19 at Fellowship Baptist Church, 524 US 22/3 E, Maineville, OH  45039, where services will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, August 20.  Interment to follow at Maineville Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to:  Fellowship Baptist Church, 247 US 22/3 E, Maineville, Ohio 45039 or Little Miami Athletic Booster Club, 3001 US 22/3, Morrow, Ohio 45152.