Tom Horn

Tom Eugene Horn, 72, of Sedalia, MO passed away on June 20, 2026, at his home in Sedalia. He was born on March 3, 1954 in Sedalia, the son of Jack Howard Horn Sr. and Urna Joann Edwards of Sedalia, who preceded him in death.

Tom was born in 1954 and is a lifelong resident of the Sedalia community, graduating from Smith-Cotton High School with the Class of 1972. A natural hard worker from a young age, Tom started his very first job at just 14 years old at the local Tastee Treat in 1968.

He believes deeply in education, resilience, and personal growth. Tom earned his Bachelor's degree from Central Missouri State University (CMSU) and later completed his Master's degree at the University of Missouri (MU). Though he faced his own personal battles and spent four and a half years in prison, Tom openly credits that time as a turning point that ultimately saved his life; it was during those years that he found God, a transformation that reshaped his entire outlook and purpose. Driven by a desire to give back, Tom later spent 10 meaningful years working as a case counselor within the Missouri Department of Corrections, utilizing his own life experiences and faith to offer genuine guidance, hope, and empathy to others.

Tom is also widely known for his incredible culinary talents. He shared his passion with the community for 12 years as a chef at the Sedalia Country Club, and in 2002, he opened his own restaurant, the Little Big Horn. He later passed the reins of the business to his son, Justin, to run.

Tom is a man who loves adventure and the great outdoors. He is an avid fisherman and a passionate traveler, taking six memorable vacations to the beaches of the Caribbean and another six to the mountains of Colorado. His love for cooking and community also took him to Cheyenne Frontier Days, where he proudly catered the historic event 14 times. When he isn't traveling, Tom enjoys the simple pleasures of life at home, particularly watching comedies, gripping war movies, and classic westerns.

Tom has faced significant trials and deep losses in his life with immense faith and strength. He was married to Denise Wells in 1974, and though they divorced in 1986, she preceded him in death in 1993. Tragically, Tom was also preceded in death by his beloved son, Justin Horn, in 2020; his father, Jack Horn, in 1995; and his mother, Jo Ann Horn, in 2023.

He is survived by his grandson, Jackson Horn; his two brothers, Tim (Evie) Horn and Jack (Tammy) Horn; his step-sons, Alex and Matt; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Rea Funeral Chapel with Dylan Wolfe officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service held at the chapel.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.