Lloyd “Peanut” Thomas Van Horn

LLOYD “PEANUT” THOMAS VAN HORN, 83, of Wellsburg, WV, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at his residence under the care of his family with the assistance of Valley Hospice. Peanut was born on July 3, 1942 in Wheeling, WV. He was the son of the late William Thomas Van Horn and Roseanna Cleo (Schwertfeger) Van Horn Wilson. Peanut’s story began as a graduate of Bethany High School. Following his military service, he continued his education at West Liberty University and West Virginia Northern. Peanut proudly served in the United States Navy and Navy Reserves during the Cuban Missile Crisis aboard the USS Galveston. As a radarman, petty officer, and beachmaster, he carried his sense of duty with quiet pride. That commitment to service never left him, and later in life he continued to honor his fellow servicemen and women through his involvement with the Patriot Guard. His work ethic was unmatched. Peanut spent time at the former Windsor Power Plant before dedicating 32 years to Weirton Steel Corporation, where he began as a Welder and retired as Quality Assurance Manager. He was also a nationally certified welding inspector, a distinction that earned him widespread respect and allowed him to generously share his knowledge while helping others grow and succeed in his trade. Retirement never slowed him down. He went on to work at Tygart Industries, consult for many corporations throughout the Ohio Valley, help create welding technology at West Virginia Northern Community College, and teach at Belmont College and Jefferson Technical College. He especially loved teaching—sharing knowledge, encouraging others, and watching people succeed. Service to his community was at the heart of Peanut’s life. For an incredible 68 years, he served with the McKinleyville Volunteer Fire Department, filling nearly every role, including Fire Chief for 25 years and EMT. The fire department wasn’t just a place he served—it was family. Peanut was deeply proud of his Masonic involvement. He was an honored member of the Bethany Masonic Lodge, serving twice as Past Master, and later became a member of the Wellsburg Masonic Lodge. He also held memberships in the Osiris Shrine, Scottish Rite, Legion of Honor, and Knights Templar (4th Degree), where brotherhood, service, and tradition meant a great deal to him. His faith guided him throughout his life. Peanut was baptized at Bethany Memorial Church and attended West Liberty Christian Church, living his faith through kindness, integrity, and service rather than words alone. Peanut believed strongly in helping young people grow. He volunteered his time as an assistant Boy Scout leader and spent many years as an assistant Little League baseball coach in Bethany, teaching far more than skills—he taught responsibility, teamwork, and respect. Above all else, Peanut was a family man. He loved time spent with his family, whether water skiing or snow skiing together, traveling to Bethany Beach, Delaware, or simply sharing stories. He was a passionate history buff who surrounded himself with books and knowledge, always eager to learn and to share what he knew. Peanut lived a life of service, leadership, and love. His legacy is found not only in his accomplishments, but in the countless lives he touched, guided, and inspired. In addition to his parents, Peanut was preceded in death by his step-father, Raymond Wilson and two grandchildren, Curtis Van Horn and Julia Rice. Peanut is survived by his wife, Judy Van Horn; two children, Amy Van Horn and husband, Keith Francis and Mark Van Horn and wife, Joann; two grandchildren, Zack Van Horn and Eden Ziegler and her husband, Hunter; two sisters, Mary Nichols and companion Keith and Martha Mathews and husband, John; and several nieces and nephews. Family and friends were received on Sunday, January 11, at Chambers Funeral Home, Wellsburg, Visitation continued at West Liberty Christian Church on Monday, January 12, 2026 until the time of the funeral service, with Pastor Dennis Arnold, officiating. There was a Fireman Escort by McKinleyville VFD and other departments and a Military Escort by the Members of the Patriot Guard to his interment at Kadesh Chapel Cemetery, Beech Bottom, with a Firefighter Salute, Military Honors by the United States Navy and Ohio Valley Veterans Memorial Squad and the Masonic Rite by his brothers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the McKinelyville VFD or the West Liberty Christian Church, C/o Chambers Funeral Home,1030 Main Street, Wellsburg, WV 26070. Condolences, photos and stories may be viewed or added at www.chambersandjames.com.