Prev
Incident
Officer Van Horn was shot and killed while attempting to arrest several members of a robbery gang. As he attempted to pull the last member off of a fence he was shot and killed.
The suspect was found guilty of second degree murder and sentenced to 15 years. He was released August 7, 1908.
Officer Van Horn had been with the agency for 18 months and was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Officer Van Horn had been with the agency for 18 months and was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtr0zhfwwe7ws9h12db34- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
127 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Officer Van Horn gave the Parsons Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Parsons community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Parsons Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 237 officers killed feloniously in KS, 70.7% of the 335 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1899, 4 officers in KS were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 8.
In 1899, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1899, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 42. Of the 211 killed feloniously in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. John had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
John was 42. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 11.4% of these deaths in KS, more than any other month. Fridays: 15.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Parsons Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 70.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 11% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Parsons Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Parsons Police Department are honored on badge.nw.