Columbus Horne, 77, of Fort Washington, Maryland

Columbus "Cake" Horne, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and man of unwavering faith, was born on February 5, 1948, in Wilson County, North Carolina, to the late Jonas Horne and Francis Elizabeth (Artis) Horne. He was the fifth of seven children and was raised in a close-knit family rooted in love, discipline, and Christian values. Columbus received his early education in the Wilson County school system.

In 1964, he relocated to Washington, D.C., joining his brother James R. Horne and his family. A year later, in 1965, Columbus proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country with honor and bravery. He completed one year of service in Vietnam and returned home in 1968 after three dedicated years of military duty.

Upon returning, Columbus was eager to begin working and held positions with Hecht Company, C & P Telephone Company, Sealtest Ice Cream, and DC Cab. Later in 1968, he began what would become a long and distinguished career with the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in Arlington, Virginia. During this time, he enjoyed playing softball, participating in bowling leagues, and forming lifelong friendships with colleagues and community members.

A proud Christian man, Columbus lived a life marked by generosity, humility, and service. In 1995, he and his wife, Jacqueline Brown Horne, joined Macedonia Baptist Church of Bryans Road, Maryland, under the leadership of Pastor C. H. Johnson. Columbus deeply loved the Lord and took great joy in working in the church. He faithfully served in multiple ministries, including the Ushers Ministry, Men's Choir, Men's Ministry, Video Ministry, and as both Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Trustee Board. God blessed him with many talents, and he used each one to uplift his church and community.

Columbus retired from the Postal Service in 2004, but anyone who knew him knew he was never one to sit still. In his retirement, he occupied his time by repairing and maintaining various items around the house, tending to the yard, preparing his favorite dishes, and helping neighbors and family. He enjoyed traveling, attending the 173rd Airborne reunions, reconnecting with classmates at the Speight High School yearly reunions in Wilson, NC, and visiting family and friends near and far.

Columbus had a notable fondness for sweets, particularly cakes, which earned him the affectionate nickname "Cake." Columbus loved a good debate and would challenge you on any topic, rarely letting you finish your response. He embraced "old school" research, often reaching for his encyclopedia rather than a computer. He had a sharp humor and loved to joke, always bringing laughter to those around him. One of his greatest passions was playing golf—daily if he could—and traveling to tournaments.

Columbus emphasized the importance of education and was a strong supporter of his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren in continuing their academic pursuits. His encouragement played a pivotal role in shaping a legacy of learning throughout his family.  Above all, Columbus was a man of resilience, especially during his illness. He faced each day with courage and unwavering faith, leaning on his personal affirmation: "God's Got Me."

Columbus was preceded in death by his parents, Jonas Horne and Francis E. Horne; his siblings, Betty Ann Barnes, Jonah "Pete" Horne, and Moses Horne; his son, LeMicheal Horne; and step-grandson, Ronado J. Butler.

Columbus leaves to cherish his loving and devoted wife, Jacqueline Brown Horne; son, Aaron "Joe" Costen; grandchildren, Amara P. Fayette, Amanda D. Costen, Alaina R. Costen, and LeMicheal S. Horne; great-granddaughter, Zoey Horne; stepchildren, Sintrel Parker, Allen R. Nichols, II, Alonzo J. Nichols (Blake), and Demetria Thomas (Alfred); step-grandchildren, Vincent Butler, As-Shaiyd Butler, Alonzo J. Nichols, II, Amari Nichols, Antonio Erby, Gabrielle Rodgers, London Thomas, Ronado Nichols, and Alcides Thomas; step-great-grandchildren, Arianna Proctor, Ra'Niyah Butler, Zoey Butler, Elijah Butler, Amar Butler, Ashai Butler, and Riley Rodgers; siblings, James R. Horne, Hazella Yelverton, and Willie Horne (Matiland); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends who will miss him deeply.

Columbus is survived by two cherished cousins, Edna Gray Mumford and Phyllis Ann Newton.

Viewing, 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 20, 2025, until time of Service, 11:00 a.m., at Harvest Assembly Baptist Church, 8008 Fordson Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22306. Interment, Mount Comfort Cemetery, 6600 S Kings Highway, Alexandria, Virginia 22306.