John Charles Horsley

John Charles Horsley, 80, passed away on February 14, 2026, in Payson, Utah, surrounded by his family. Born February 5, 1946, in Salt Lake City to Rulon and Pat Horsley, John was the baby of the family and the youngest of seven children.

From a young age, John watched his family run and operate their grocery and retail stores, a tradition that shaped his future.. As a teenager, he moved to Afton, Wyoming, where he helped at the family business while attending Star Valley High School. Following graduation, he attended Brigham Young University, earning a bachelor's degree in business. This education, combined with the lessons learned from his family, fueled a lifelong dedication to the legacy of business ownership.

Following in his parents' footsteps, he opened Capital Army Navy on State Street and later owned and operated Capitol Wholesale in Kearns from the early 1980s until his retirement in 2019. Through his business operations, John built a vast network of partnerships and cherished friendships that spanned the globe. His deep passion for the military surplus industry was further rooted in his patriotism and his service in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam War, where he was stationed in Washington, D.C.

In his later years, John faced incredible challenges brought on by Multiple Sclerosis. Throughout his battle, he was known for his cheerful disposition and the tenacity of a true fighter, something that left us all in awe and impressed everyone around him. John was loved by all who knew him; he had a rare gift for being truly likable to everyone he interacted with.

John’s greatest pride and legacy, however, was the family he leaves behind. He shared a daughter, Rachel, with Jeanie Horsley. Rachel was truly the light of his life—his greatest pride, his constant joy, and his best friend. John found immense happiness in the family she built with her husband, Florian, and he cherished his role as a devoted father and grandfather above all else.

He is survived by his daughter, Rachel (Florian); his grandchildren, Lauren and Noah; and his sisters, Pat Whitney and Carol Urdahl. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rulon and Pat; his brothers, Dave, Ed, and Richard; and his sister, Pauline Bailey.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and friends at the Bennion Veterans Home for their compassionate care and the meaningful friendships John found there.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday February 28, 2026 at 12:00 pm at the Latter-day Saint Church located at 7115 S 3200 W, West Jordan, Utah. A viewing will be held the night prior, February 27, 2026 from 6:00-800 pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will also be held 1 hours prior to the funeral service at the church.

Interment will take place at Larkin Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/zSWvuZIDelBMvwuntU0qazd7eQu6FlSNNYJN2mV0EHPKC54V0xxTylUcpSuWKf3V.8g8B7AEOP7WqTCbu?startTime=1772304022000