Michael Jonathan Horning was born on March 15, 1968, In San Francisco, California, to Robert and Marvia (Hicks) Horning. He passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

He was smart, athletic and handsome, but not a good student. He made life exciting. He and his brother, Sean, were both state championship wrestlers. At that level, they wrestled each other. Mike won but did admit that he knew Sean's weakness. Boy Scouts also led to a lifelong love of nature. He hiked the Sierra Nevada mountains with minimal supplies. He seemed to have no fear. He would fight for and with his brother and later with his union brothers.

By the time he graduated high school he had had many adventures including an unauthorized three-week trip to Las Vegas at fifteen.

After high school Mike's Uncle Gene helped him get into a building trade union. Mike thrived on the hard work and remained good at fixing things. He was in different unions but spent most of his time in Laborer's 264. He was pleased when his son, Andy, also joined that union and they were able to work together.

Construction jobs allowed him to meet Nicole, whom he married. He moved to Missouri, and his son Andrew Leroy Horning was born on February 12, 1993. Andy was the joy of his life.

He married Diane Switzner on January 20, 2007. They moved from Warrensburg to a farm outside of Leeton, Missouri. There he cared for his dogs.

Mike's physically demanding life was exciting but also led to many injuries. He had multiple concussions, multiple back fractures and other injuries. He had chronic pain from these injuries, but that did not compare to the grief when he lost Andy on October 15, 2013. His good friend Dustin died in the same accident. Mike was comforted by knowing the last thing that he told Andy was "I love you".

He was preceded in death by his son Andrew Leroy Horning.

Mike is survived by his wife; Diane Switzner Horning; his parents; Robert and Marvia, his brother, Sean Horning; nephew; Chris Suida, and many others that he considered family. You know who you are. He had no trouble telling you he loved you.

Remember his pranks and humor. Please know he loved you. This doesn't answer questions. We won't know if it was a brain glitch, overwhelming depression or Mike just ending life as he lived it - on his own terms.

In honor of Mike, tell someone that you love them.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home. A graveside service will immediately follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Warrensburg, Missouri with Father Andrew Kleine officiating.

If you wish to make a donation in Mike's honor, he supported Working Families' Friend (1021 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64105). Checks may be left in care of the funeral home.

Missouri Suicide Prevention Line: 988

Crisis Text Line