He is survived by his wife, Paula Frank Furlough of Monticello; brother, Jennings Furlough of Brandenburg, Kentucky; two sisters, Olean Spruill of Chesapeake, Virginia and Ella Knight of Norfolk, Virginia; daughter, Joette Furlough of Dallas, Texas; son, Blake Furlough and wife Jill of Yellow Springs, Ohio; granddaughter, Jenna Schoen and husband Matt of Keller, Texas; grandsons, Adam, Mitchell, Joshua, Nathan, David, Caleb, and James Furlough of Yellow Springs, Ohio; and great granddaughters Joy and Grace Schoen of Keller, Texas.
Colonel Furlough served in the United States Air Force from 1950 until 1975 as a mechanic and pilot which included an assignment to the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Following his retirement from active duty, he returned to Monticello where he continued his flying career in general aviation. He was an FAA certified flight instructor and mechanic and also flew as a corporate and charter pilot for many local companies and individuals. He remained a certified pilot until 80 years of age. He held a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from George Washington University.
A member of the First United Church of Monticello, Colonel Furlough served as Sunday school teacher, member and leader of many boards and groups, and certified lay minister. He volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol as mechanic, search pilot, and squadron commander. He was a pilot, mechanic, award-winning winemaker, farmer, mentor, teacher, and friend.
''The Colonel'', as he was known, was a positive, passionate, hard-working man who loved the Lord, his family, and his friends.
Condolences(32)
Michelle Wolf
Raleigh thru Carmichael, NC Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Hi Blake. I'm sorry to hear bout your Dad's passing and wanted to offer my condolences. I heard of his passing just today in the most roundabout way. I helped a woman at work and discovered she lived in Monticello. When I said I knew someone years ago from Monticello and gave your name, she recognized it from her church and was very familiar with the obituary and shared with me the sad news. I only got to meet him the one time at your graduation but knew he was a special man. I wish you and your family the best.Mary Kay Norris
Lone Star, TX Tuesday, September 27, 2011 The Colonel is flying high with his new wings!! I feel so very honored and privileged to have known The Colonel! Thanks to him and his homemade wine, my daughter will never have the desire to have "just a taste" of alcohol like she experienced at a Kingwood Forestry Christmas party! lol I can still hear his laugh when Molly tried to swalllow it! His smile... That is what I think of first when describing him. He was a wonderful Christian man that showed respect to EVERYONE. Even to people that you wouldn't think would even matter to him - like me. I can't wait to hear his laugh when I get to Heaven!! Soar high, Colonel!!Bob and Camilla Baxter
Lake Saint Louis, MO Sunday, September 18, 2011 We were so sorry to hear of Col Furlow's passing. I had heard that he was not doing well. My foremost memories of him were through my Dad, Earl Baxter, who thought so very much of him. Later, the Furlow's bought my parent's house on South Main. I feel that Monticello has lost a VERY good man!!Raye Trotter Holland
Stephenville, TX Sunday, September 18, 2011 It was a pleasure meeting Mr. Furlough several times and also to have met you Paula in your home once- along with Liz Corbell. Mr. Fourlough had bought our old homestead where we grew up as kids. I still like to go out and visit around it, gives me comfort. Sorry for you to lose your loved one and hopefully we'll visit with you, Paula, again....Raye Trotter HollandRodger & Sara Running
Jackson, MS Sunday, September 18, 2011 We send our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Furlough family. We will so miss our fellowship with Horace at the TAC Tankers reunions!Rodger & Sara Running
Karen Baskin
New Bern, NC Sunday, September 18, 2011 Colonel was my primary flight instructor for my Private Pilot Certificate. Not only was he my flight instructor, but one of my best friends. Loved him dearly and will most certainly miss him! At Christmas, he called to share the sad news that "he was going to meet his maker". I was able to tell him personally how much he meant to me and to share a few laughs.I send prayers to his immediate family and to all of us extended "family"!
Tom and Roni Furlough
Bonaire, GA Sunday, September 18, 2011 Our thoughts and prayer are with you and all the extended family. Uncle Horace will be missed terribly but we can be comforted that he knew Jesus Christ as his Savior and lives with Him today and for eternity. For Paula and our cousins (Joette & Blake) we are so sorry that we could not make it to be with you in this time of sorrow. May God have His comforting arms around you.Danr & Niki Smythe
Plainfield, IN Saturday, September 17, 2011 Our love for your Dad and knowing him was so special to us. He was a good person and special. We will miss him. Our love to all of you. May God Bless and comfort you in your loss.Kim and David Hoffman
Conway, AR Saturday, September 17, 2011 Paula and Family,We are so sorry to hear about your losing Horace. He was a great man and loved by everyone. May God grant you peace to get through this sad time. Please accept our sincere sympathy. Love, The Hoffman Family
Carolyn Bruce
Rockledge, FL Saturday, September 17, 2011 Paula,You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kim Hedges Schmoll
Phoenix, AZ Saturday, September 17, 2011 Joette and JennaI am so sorry for your loss. He was such a GREAT GREAT man! You are in my prayers.
Love to all,
Kim Hedges Schmoll
Lou ChapmanVP TacTankers Assn.
Lockeford, CA Saturday, September 17, 2011 The TacTankers Reunion Assn. would like to extend it's condolences to Paula and the family of Lt. Col.(Ret.) Horace Furlough on his passing. Horace was a Life member of the TacTankers Assn. and he and Paula had attended many of our reunions. He will be missed by all those who knew him.Jane Thomasson
Monticello, AR Saturday, September 17, 2011 What a blessing and a joy to have known Horace. He has always been an inspiration to me and my family.He will be so missed here in Monticello and especially at First United Methodist Church where he was such an active member. I'll miss seeing him there each Sunday with his freshing smile and his enthusiasm for sharing God's word.
sandy hughes
millport, AL Saturday, September 17, 2011 i am so sorrry for your loss. we have lost a most awesome man who touch the lives of everyone who ever met him. he was a part of many of my best memories. who could ever forget "The Colonel" and "The Major". He will be missed by many.Paul and Wanda Brown
Roanoke, VA Saturday, September 17, 2011 Paula, Joette, and Blake,We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Horace's passing. You will miss him sorely, we know; but I know you are comforted to know that he is not suffering now and he is safe in the arms of Jesus. He was a very dear, special man and we all loved him very much. Please know that we love you all and are praying for you now.
Patty Mitchell
Monitcello, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 Paula, I am so sorry! I will be praying for you and your family. I am proud to have know the colonel, and always enjoyed visiting with him. He was a very kind, warm man. I know I have told you this story before, but it bears repeating. I saw the colonel one day in my "street clothes"...lol. He said he almost didn't recognize me with my clothes on! For those who don't know, I work for UPS and have for years...that is usually when the colonel saw me...at work delivering to his house or the airport. He will be missed greatly by those who loved him.Pam Allen
Monticello, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 It has been a true blessing to have known "Colonel" for over 30 years. He was such a kind, sweet man, who loved his Lord and his family. I will miss him. Paula, Joette and Blake....my prayers are with you.James Brown
Monticello, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 PaulaWe pray for you all for peace and comfort. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Eddie & James Brown
Scott Milburn
Monticello, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 Horace was a true treasure and will be missed by all of those he touched. His wit, humor, sternous and encouragement was matched only by his willingness to do what he could to make others better. So many friends are saddened by his passing, but joyful of the times spent with him. God Bless.Ronnie Robbins
Athens, GA Friday, September 16, 2011 It was a privilege to have known and flown with such a great man! He ``almost`` made a back seat pilot out of me.Ella Knight, Glenda, and Wayne Campbell
Norfolk, VA Friday, September 16, 2011 Paula, We are praying for you and you all continue tobe in our toughts and prayers. All of you take care
and we will see you as soon as we are able.
Walter Chapman
Monticello, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 So Sorry to hear of Colonel Furlough's passing. It was an honor to have known him. His life of service to God and Country was an exemplary one. He will be missed.Angie Collins
Crossett, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 What a precious fellow "Colonel" was! He always had the sweetest grin on his face. It was an honor to have known him. My first time to fly, he was the pilot. In fact, he was the pilot every time we (Fairfield) flew anywhere. I will cherish those memories. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.Sandra DupreeCampbell
Monticello, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 Keeping the family in my prayers.Liz Trotter Corbell
Dublin, TX Friday, September 16, 2011 I feel very privileged to have met Mr. Fourlough. He bought my homeplace years ago and never cared for us to go out and revisit the place where I was born over 66 years ago. He never failed to invite us in to his "man cave" and let us enjoy a glass of the wonderful wine he made. We will surely miss "The Colonel" when we make a trip to AR from TX. Paula, I, too, am so proud to have met you. Throughout this difficult time, may you know the deep sympathy and convern that are felt for you and all your family.Sincerely,
Liz & Dale Corbell
Harry L. Densmore III
Star City, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 Blake , Joett and family, I had a lot of special days with him, Enjoyed all of them. May God Bless each and ever one of you.Lelia Davis
monticello, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 Paula I just found out about Mr. Horace.I am so so sorry he has left us. Mr. Horace and I go back a long time, and I have admired his personality for so long. I consider you and him two of my best friends, I will miss him very much. My heart goes out to you along with my love.Emily Loveless-Groves
Monticello, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 Mrs. Paula,So sorry to hear of Mr. Horace's passing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff, Karon, Emily, and Caper
linda rowe funderburg
monticello, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 prayers for the familyGlen Dabney
Monticello, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 Paula and family, I was very sad to here of Horace's death this morning. Few people have had as profound an impact on my life as Horace. He was a friend, a mentor and a surrogate dad. I will miss Horace very much. Horace...May you always have tailwinds.Pat Savage
Monticello, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 So sorry for the passing of Col. Furlough. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Mary Burgess
Monticello, AR Friday, September 16, 2011 Paula, so sorry to hear that Horace has passed. I am happy that he is no longer suffering and also happy for the years you have had together. You are a sweet dear lady and I am thankful that God chose for our paths to cross. I hope you can find peace and comfort in the knowledge that you gave him the very best care he could possibly have had and that today he is with the Lord and healthy again . Love you