DARRELL K. HORNE

Darrell Keith Horne was born in San Antonio, Texas, on September 3, 1952, to the late Dr. Clarence Horne and Mrs. Doris Hill Horne. He accepted Christ at the early age of 7 at Mt. Zion First Baptist Church where he served as a youth usher.  He was a member of Fountain of Praise Church in Missouri City, Texas. Preceding him in death were his father, Dr. Clarence Horne, stepfather, Novel Ellison, paternal and maternal grandparents, M/Sgt. Richard and Lucille Smith, Albert and Gertrude Hill and his wife of 33 years, the former Linda Jo Williams, who passed away in 2015.  

Darrell attended Fannin Elementary School, Poe Junior High School, and Highlands High School, all located in the San Antonio Independent School District. He began his college career at St. Philip’s Junior College and San Antonio Junior College in San Antonio. After relocating to Houston, he resumed studies at The University of Houston and Texas Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Biology. He also completed postgraduate studies at Prairie View A & M University, earning a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration.

After 28 years of continuous service in North Forest Independent School District, Houston, Texas, Darrell retired from a stellar career of teaching, mentoring, and coaching. During his tenure, “Coach Horne” touched the lives of many students as a Biology instructor, football coach, and track coach at Forest Brook.  For 15 years, he served as Head Coach at Kirby Middle School where his positive spirit inspired and enlightened a multitude of students as well as his colleagues in coaching.  

Coach Horne exhibited the happy, confident spirit of a motivator and true leader. Talkative by nature, he possessed an infectious smile, accompanied by disarming dimples– he was quite the charmer! Easy to like, he enjoyed people and lived his life to the fullest.  Never feeling the need to impress anyone, he acted and responded from the heart. He was genuine! As a loving father, he spent quality time with his children by going fishing, sharing family meals, talking about sports and by just “always being there”. He was a loving and respectful son, as well as, a protective, caring, inspiring, and encouraging big brother. Always upbeat, Coach Horne focused on the positive, never the negative, which was an attribute that propelled him in becoming an incredible coach and mentor to many young adults.  Among his many interests was membership in the NEA, The Texas High School Coaches Association, and The Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Darrell  leaves to cherish his memory the 5 children he shared with Linda Jo: Natasha (Kenneth); Darrell, Darcy, Darold (Michelle) and Shayla; 5 grandchildren, Kenneth, Kennedi, Imani Kay (Farran), Mya Marie, and Tylan; mother, Mrs. Doris Horne Ellison; sister, Mrs. Yvonne Horne Clemons; step-sister, Mrs. Linda Ellison Roberts;  niece, Brezhette and nephew, Brandon; godmother, Mrs. Joyce Sowells; first cousins, Greg Hill and Patricia Hill Moore (Gene) ; goddaughter, Janna Hubbard; and a host of extended family and friends.