John E. Horst

In 1960, he met Elsie King at his church in Columbiana, OH, and they married one year later in Elsie’s church in Glen Flora, WI. After two children, they wintered in Sarasota in 1964, and got sand in their shoes and never left.

He turned a masonry background into a masonry career in Sarasota. He worked for Dick McClure Masonry as part of a crew, constructing high rises and other commercial buildings. In the early 1970s, he became a masonry subcontractor specializing in decorative stone work and fireplaces. This skill came in handy when donating many hours to help build the Bahia Vista Mennonite Church.

Church was a very important part of his life. He taught his children if the church doors are open, the Horsts would be present. He served the church in many capacities including usher, youth sponsor, and helping Elsie with the nursery Sunday School class for a number of years.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elsie, and his children Michael (Mike), Lake City, FL, and Michelle (Shelly) Coffman (Paul), Lagrange, IN. His grandchildren are Jessica Schlegel (Zac), Shickley, NE, and Jamie Bates (Bryan), Fort Wayne, IN. His great-grandchildren are Hadley & Addison Schlegel with the newest Schlegel arriving in January.

A visitation will begin at 2 pm until the time of service at 4 pm on Sunday, January 5, 2020 at Bethel Mennonite Church, 2985 Bethel Ln., Sarasota, FL 34240, with Pastors Shawn Otto and Jason Beiler officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Gator Wilderness Camp, 44930 Farabee Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982, or Global Disciples, 315 West James Street, Suite 202, Lancaster, PA 17603.