Gary L. Horning

Gary L. Horning, 79, of Dexter, NY, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, at the Jefferson County Hospice Residence at the Ellis Farm.

Born on February 2, 1946, in Watertown, NY, he was the son of John and Mary Jane (Chisamore) Horning. Gary attended General Brown High School and went on to work at Black Clawson and Knowlton Brothers Paper Company. He later owned and operated the Four Paw Pet Motel in Dexter, which he ran since 1969.

On October 13, 2007, Gary married Nancy Gantz of Whitehall, PA, at the New Hope Baptist Church. The couple made their home in Dexter. Nancy worked at Fort Drum in the Health Clinic from 2007 until her retirement in 2012.

Gary was a member of the Northern New York Corvette Club and enjoyed boating.

Among his survivors are two daughters and a son-in-law, Dawn (Mike) Rabold of Evans Mills, IN, and Wendy Warren, Watertown,NY; three stepsons and two daughters-in-law: Douglas (Penny) Mitchell of Clearwater, FL, Scott (Heidi) Mitchell of Carthage, NY, and Ryan Mitchell of Burlington, VT; six grandchildren; a half-sister; and a half-brother.

He is predeceased by his parents and beloved wife Nancy. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at Dexter Cemetery on Friday, September 26th  at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory may be made to: Hospice of Jefferson County 1398 Gotham St.,Watertown, NY 13601

Online condolences may be left at www.dexterfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.