Vincent "Mike" Van Horn Jr.

Vincent Harry “Mike” Van Horn Jr., of Seagoville, Texas, passed away on May 27, 2025, in Mesquite, Texas. He was born on October 22, 1942, in Cuba, New York, to Vincent Sr. and Bertha Colburn Van Horn.

Mike grew up on a dairy farm in western New York, working alongside his family. After graduating from Cuba High School, he continued working with his father. It was during this time he gained the nickname “Mike.” Their boss, tired of both men answering to “Vince” and “Vincent,” looked at the younger man and said, “You look like a Mike.” The name stuck for life.

Mike had a long, hardworking, and varied career in the trades. He began as a dairy farmer, receiving an exemption from military service during wartime in order to remain home and provide milk for the country. He later worked as a truck driver, machinist, welder, and heavy machinery operator—eventually retiring from DeWeerd Construction in May 2015, where he ran a Bobcat with skill and pride.

In 1981, after struggling to find stable work in New York, Mike took advice from his brother and moved to Texas in search of better opportunities. He relocated with his wife, Caroline, and their two sons to Crandall, Texas, where he built a new life.

Mike suffered a deep loss with Caroline’s passing in 2002. But in 2003, through a Crandall-based singles group, he met Barbara. The two married in December of that year and spent over 21 loving years together.

Outside of work, Mike had a passion for motorcycles and was a proud member of the American Motorcyclist Association. He also belonged to the Good Sams. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling in his RV with Barbara and their dog, Sassy, exploring new places and making memories along the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent Sr. and Bertha Van Horn; his first wife, Caroline (Keech) Van Horn; and his brother, Howard Van Horn.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Barbara Van Horn; sons, David and John Van Horn of Crandall, Texas; bonus daughter, Megan Geloneck, and her husband Jeffery of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Pierce, Clara, and June Geloneck of Austin; his sister, Delores Keech, and husband Jerry of Waynesboro, Mississippi; and numerous other siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Mike will always be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a tireless worker, and a truly good man.