Dr. Eugene F. Horn

Dr. Eugene Franklin Horn, age 82, of Beavercreek, OH, passed away Friday, March 17, 2017 at Hospice of Dayton after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on September 8, 1934 in Lancaster, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin F. and Kathryn S. Horn; an infant brother, Robert; and one grandson, Andrew Doty. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Barbara Waugaman Horn; son Stephen (Teri) of Burlington, KY; daughter Sharon Doty (Dan) of Beavercreek; son David E. Horn of Beavercreek; granddaughters Angela Doty of Beavercreek and Christina (Doty) Brademeyer (Chris) of Franklin, OH; sister Marilyn Kachelries of Emmaus, PA; and many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Gene was a graduate of Mechanicsburg (PA) High School, Class of 1952. Among other pursuits during school, he completed Scoutmaster Training and was a member of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1956 at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, where he was employed by AMP Inc.’s Special Projects Laboratory. He earned his Ph.D. in 1963 at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, in molecular and theoretical physics. Dr. Horn began his professional career with Systems Research Laboratories in Beavercreek in 1964. A member of the Association of Old Crows, Gene continued to pursue his passion for science, technology and engineering with Modern Technologies Corporation, Sensor Technology Systems, and subsequently Steiner-eOptics, where he was still actively working until the onset of his illness. Additionally, Gene established and was president of BEH Engineering, Inc. During his long and distinguished career, Gene was engaged in innovative and cutting edge laser technology research and development, chemical defense shelter design, night vision technology development and production, and many other projects in support of Department of Defense initiatives and private defense-related organizations. Gene was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church and was a long-time member of Peace Lutheran Church, Beavercreek. He was well known among friends and colleagues for his dedication to both his professional work and his involvement in the church. He traveled extensively for business and, with wife and family, for pleasure. His usually quiet demeanor was countered with a wide breadth of knowledge, a wry wit and dry sense of humor, and a firm defense of what he believed in. His daughter is not the only person who thinks Gene knew “everything”…or at least a lot about a lot of things. He and his caring advice, knowledge and love will be sorely missed by his family, friends and co-workers alike. The family extends special thanks to niece Lori (Goodhart) Miller of Carlisle, PA, and to Hospice of Dayton for their care and assistance during Gene’s illness. In lieu of flowers, please support The American Cancer Society and Hospice of Dayton. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 21, 5-8 PM at Tobias Funeral Home, Beavercreek; a service of Christian celebration of Gene’s life will be held Wednesday, March 22, 11:00 AM at Tobias, with burial service to follow at Byron Cemetery. Gene would be honored to have you share these times together with his family.