Imagine my delight, after searching for my Van Horn relatives for over 20 years, when I received an e-mail from a long-lost cousin telling me that another cousin was living down the highway a few miles east from my home in Jenks!
Morris Elmo Van Horn, the son of Marcus Tenney Van Horn, was living with his wife, Donnie Wells Van Horn, in a hilltop home near Chouteau, Oklahoma. Of course, I immediately picked up the telephone and called.
My first reaction in talking with Morris was "I'm gonna like this guy!" When he answered the telephone, I asked, "Is this Morris Van Horn?" His reply? "Well, what's LEFT of him!"
We spent close to an hour talking, me identifying where I fit into the Van Horn line of the family, and him sharing details that I never dreamed I'd learn. It was Morris who opened the door to much information on this elusive Van Horn family that I'd frustratingly hunted for over so many years.
I was invited to their home to visit, and at the first opportunity headed east toward Chouteau. I was given explicit directions, and when I got to the turn-off that would lead to their home, I saw a pickup truck waiting on the side road. I knew immediately that Morris was waiting to guide me to their home.
Morris flagged me down and told me to follow him. We drove up and down little hills and valleys, around sharp curves, and finally he pulled over to the side of the road. I stopped and that's when he got out to tell me some things about himself.
Morris shared with me a lot about his medical problems, which included heart bypass surgery, a bad case of shingles with recurring pain, Type II diabetes, and other aches and pains. He was telling me this so that when we got to the house, we could just "visit." I knew for certain that this charming first cousin once-removed was an open, honest, and friendly relative! I was so impressed.
My afternoon with Morris and his gracious and loving wife Donnie, was magical. We looked at old pictures, studied over the family history I'd brought, and just talked long and hard about memories.
Donnie went to a cabinet and brought out a family history that another relative had worked up some years before and shared with them. This family history contained information about the Van Horns that I never knew, and never thought I'd learn! The information in that file is already posted on our Van Horn pages.
All too soon, it was time for me to leave and head back to Jenks. But that was not my only visit with Morris and Donnie. I made several trips to Chouteau, sometimes taking along my older sister, Patty, who also fell in love with this couple.
It was a sad, sad day when we learned of Morris' death. But in with our sadness, we couldn't stop praising God that He allowed us to know Morris in time to fall in love with him. To know Morris Elmo Van Horn was one of the richest blessings I have ever experienced.
Susan Strain <><
First Cousin Once Removed To Morris Elmo Van Horn
LOCUST GROVE -- Morris Elmo VanHorn, 84, retired rancher, died Tuesday. Graveside service 2 p.m. Friday, Chouteau North Cemetery, Chouteau. Key, Chouteau.
Morris Elmo VanHorn
Graveside funeral services for Morris Elmo VanHorn, 84, of Locust Grove, will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 25, 2004, in the Chouteau North Cemetery, Chouteau. The Rev. Ken Stacey will officiate and services are under the direction of Key Funeral Chapel, Chouteau.
VANHORN, Morris Elmo, 84, of Locust Grove; born Feb. 6, 1920 in Shamrock, Okla. to Marcus Tenny and Legal Tender (Johnson) VanHorn, died June 22, 2004 in Chouteau; husband of Donnie Mae; father of one daughter (Shirley French of Brenham, Texas); served in U.S. Air Force as a bomber refueler in Walawala, Washington; retired cattleman; moved to Locust Grove in 2000; services held June 25 under direction of Key Funeral Home of Chouteau; burial in Chouteau North Cemetery; friends are donating to the Meadowbrook Care Center in Chouteau.
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