Richard Thomas Horning

Richard embraced and enjoyed life. With his great hair, million-dollar smile, and warm personality, he was a stranger to no one. Known to many as “Pa,” “Dick,” “Captain,” “King Richard,” and even “Dick Davis,” he brought humor and joy wherever he went. He was born to the late Harold and Doris Horning and was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Horning.

Richard is survived by his sisters, Trilby Augustine and Cheryl Camble; his brother, Daniel Horning; and his children: Richard (Jennifer) Horning, David (Colene) Horning, Dawn (Richard) Proia, Doug (Tina) Horning, Thomas Forrest, Amy (Robert) Fletcher, and Bryan (Amy) Forrest. He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather to 18 grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him great joy.

Richard proudly served in the United States Navy, enlisting at the age of 18. His service to his country remained a source of pride throughout his life.

Richard was a devoted Catholic and loved Jesus deeply. He was an active and faithful supporter and servant of St. Peter’s Parish, where his faith remained an important part of his life.

A successful entrepreneur, Richard founded Reflections Hair Design in Mansfield. Together, he and his wife, Linda, built the business into a thriving salon with a large and loyal staff, many of whom are still there today. Former employees remain grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside him and to have learned from his leadership. Richard retired in 2007, leaving behind a legacy built on determination, an unmatched work ethic, grit, and a touch of his well-known stubbornness. The values he and Linda instilled helped shape a salon that continues to thrive in the family today.

Richard had a deep love for the water and was an accomplished boat captain. His favorite place in the world was on his boat, often beginning the day peacefully with a cup of coffee, a good book, and a view of the lake. Over the years, he shared countless boating adventures with Linda, his family, and friends, including trips with his brother Dan, journeys to Mackinac Island, Toronto, and the St. Lawrence Seaway, and even a month-long trip navigating from Florida back to Lake Erie. One particularly special adventure was taking his granddaughter on a journey from Lake Erie to Montreal and all the way to New York City. Richard loved hosting friends, family, and the nuns from St. Peter’s Parish at the lake, making sure everyone who visited felt welcomed and enjoyed their time.

Richard was strong in will, mind, spirit, and faith, and he held a deep affection for his family and lifelong friends. He cherished the tradition of meeting with his dearest friends to play cards or gather weekly for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, a routine that continued for many years.

Richard will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his devotion to his beloved wife Linda, his faith, and his deep love for his family and friends. He took great pride in the life he built and in sharing it generously with those around him. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road with a Vigil Service recited at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter's Parish, 60 S. Mulberry St., Mansfield, on Wednesday at 10:30 am. Military honors will be presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Squad. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery-Shelby, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to St. Peter’s Parish.