Robert "Buz" Van Horne, 79, of Fletcher, died Friday, November 4, 2022 in his residence.

Born in Jackson, KY, he was the husband of Mary "Bobo" Van Horne, and the son of the late Robert Marion and Elizabeth (Riddell) Van Horne. He was also preceded in death by two sisters.

Buz was a member of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church.

Buz was ordained as a Pastor in the Lutheran Church in America in 1970. He served in Redeemer Lutheran, Charleston, SC; Christ Lutheran in Cape Coral, FL; Holy Trinity Lutheran in Hickory, NC; Redeemer Lutheran in Newberry, SC; and Trinity Lutheran in St. Petersburg, FL.

An accomplished bassoonist and contrabassoonist, Buz played in the Lexington, KY Philharmonic; Charleston, SC Symphony; Southwest Florida Symphony, Fort Myers, FL; Asheville Symphony; South Carolina Philharmonic, Columbia, SC; and Tampa Bay Symphony. He also played the organ.

Along with his wife, Buz also ministered by welcoming and helping to settle many refugee families through the help of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. They started in 1975 with several Vietnamese families. They also assisted families from Bosnia (Islamic), Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Haiti.

In addition to his wife of 55 years, Buz is survived by two sons: Van Van Horne (Jill) of Lenoir, NC and R. Stobo Van Horne (Diana) of Lexington, SC; a daughter, Katherine Van Horne and her partner Tony Bradshaw of Hendersonville; and nine grandchildren: Emma, Elise, Mick, Evan, Julia, Wade, Kate, Max, and Eve.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Fairview with Pastor David Eck officiating. Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the church, from 10-11 AM. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Berea Fund, Berea College, 101 Chestnut St., Berea, KY 40403-9952.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.