John McHorse, 85

John T. McHorse passed away Feb. 28, 2026, in Sun City, Arizona, at the age of 85.

Born June 14, 1940, in Pleasanton, Texas, he served in the Navy for 20 years, including during the Vietnam War and as a diver. His time in military service deeply shaped his identity, and he felt a strong connection to other veterans, with whom he often had far-flung conversations as a licensed HAM radio operator. He held a somber appreciation for and contributed to organizations, like Quilts of Honor, that provide care and recognition to veterans.

After retiring from the military, John and his family settled in Sandpoint, Idaho, where he served as a Bonner County deputy sheriff. He retired from Bonner County after his second 20-year career.

In his full retirement he returned to Pleasanton, Texas, where he was rarely to be found sitting still. Never without a project, he was always tinkering, building, or fixing something with the work of his hands; he and his brother Ray often performed free HVAC or other skilled repair work for members of the community.

He was gentle with dogs and his grandchildren, generous with his knowledge and skills, and a devoted husband who, otherwise somewhat taciturn, never hesitated to share how much he adored his wife.

John is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Diane Gildersleeve McHorse; their sons Michael (Carolyn), Patrick (Leah) and JT (Amy) McHorse, and daughter Kathleen Easton (Ryan); daughters, Lisa Piper and Kimberly Woodburn; brother, Marvin Ray McHorse; sisters, Leona McHorse and Jaquelyn Gentry; grandchildren, Brianna McHorse, Alexis Easton, Jason Easton, Megan Easton, Samantha Andrews and Jude McHorse; and great-grandchildren Troy and Scarlett Andrews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vera and Marion McHorse; older brother, Donald W. McHorse; half-brother, Willy Calhoun; and daughter, Amy Bailey.

There will be a memorial service with full military honors April 10, 2026, at 2:45 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.