Charles Leonard Horne, Jr, “Chuck,” tragically passed away on Sunday, leaving everyone devastated.
Chuck attended Watson Chapel High School and, upon graduation, enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served from 1949 to 1952, participating in the Korean War.
Chuck was a radar operator assigned to a small team that island hopped at forward operating bases along the coast of Korea and Japan, providing pivotal guidance to United States fighter and bomber aircraft on their flight missions.
Upon his return to the United States, he attended Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and graduated in 1956.
He played on the 1954 Champion football team of “Wonder Boys,” in addition to being a track athlete.
He continued his higher education at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where he received a Master of Education in 1962 and eventually funded a Razorback student-athlete scholarship.
Former Track Athlete Charles Leonard Horne, Jr, Passed Away At The Age of 94
According to reports, former track athlete Charles Leonard Horne Jr. passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the age of 94.
The cause of death has not been revealed yet.
Close ones and relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Charles’s family to stay strong in this difficult time.
The family would like to thank the Methodist Church of Russellville, Christ Church of Fayetteville, Butterfield Trail Village, Washington Regional Hospital, and Circle of Life Hospice for the wonderful memories and the care provided over the last decade.
The family will be hosting a reception on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Butterfield Trail Village’s Lodge Building, 1923 East Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville, Ark., followed by a 1:30 p.m. service at the Fayetteville National Cemetery, 1000 South Lt. Col. LeRoy Ave., Fayetteville, Ark.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Butterfly Garden Designated Fund, Butterfield Trail Village, 1923 E Joyce Ave., Fayetteville, Ark. 72703. Phone number: (479) 442-7220, and the Manna House Designated Fund, Manna House, 304 S Commerce Avenue, Russellville, Ark. 72801.
Charles Leonard Horne, Jr, And His Wife Donna J Salts Were Blessed With Three Children
Charles Leonard Horne, Jr, was married to Donna J Salts on July 15, 1956, in Siloam Springs.
They later commemorated their first meeting with a bench placed outside the Arkansas Tech University library and funded a student-athlete scholarship in gratitude for the school that started their nearly 70 years together.
Donna was born May 29, 1936, to Dorothy J (Marks) and Robert S. Salts and lived in North Hollywood, California until she was a young teenager.
Donna was a beloved elementary school teacher at Dwight Elementary School for thirty years, earning recognition for her impact on others with multiple county and state education awards.Â
Sadly, their married life ended after 68 years following the tragic death of Donna on February 2, 2025.
Charles and Donna were blessed with three sons.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Donna was preceded by her parents, sister Charolette J. LePore and brother Robert Salts Jr.
- Born December 14, 1930, to Charles L. Horne and Blanche Lenora (Martin) in Rison, Ark., Charles was the oldest of three children.
