Douglas Vincent Horacek

Douglas Vincent Horacek 68 years old of Madison, Alabama, died peacefully on July 17, 2024.

Doug was born in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Margaret aka Marge (Blankenship) Horacek and Godfrey aka Duke Horacek who preceded him in death.

Doug grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and graduated from Benson High School in 1974. He was a Westinghouse Science Scholar and went on to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University and graduated from the University of Nebraska.

He was employed by the civil service, supporting the nation's military as an analyst with Aviation and Missile Command, which took him to St. Louis, Missouri and Huntsville, Alabama where he retired.

Doug grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, spending his childhood surrounded with family, friends and extended relatives. He enjoyed swimming, nature, science and math.

He was a Boy Scout and a server at St. Bernard's Parish, and a gifted student. He had passion for lifelong learning, astronomy, chess, classical music, mathematics, nature and physics. He enjoyed swimming and was a member of the Gallagher Swim Team as well as the high school teams at Rummel (Roncali) and Benson High Schools, where he specialized in the butterfly. He was also a lifeguard and coach with his love of sharing his skills. He had a kindness for giving and sharing his passions with others.

During his adult years he enjoyed leading nature hikes, sharing his love and knowledge of wildflowers and astronomy and enjoyed spending time with family.

In his retirement, Doug belonged to several community organizations focused on educating others through his knowledge and passion for nature and space. While in Huntsville he was active in the Sierra Club, the Huntsville Botanical Gardens and the Von Braun Astronomical Society.

He is survived by his brother, Christopher Horacek and his wife, Cheryl; his sister, Margaret Snittjer and her husband, Randall. Nieces and nephews, Maggie Blum and her husband, Joe; Kailey Horacek and her husband, Joey Emery; Christopher Horacek and his wife, Posey, Alyssa Horacek, nephew, Jordan Snittjer and his wife, Erin, Molly Snittjer, and Jenna Snittjer.

A Celebration of Doug's Life will be held for the family to receive friends:
Saturday, August 10, 2024, beginning at 10:30 am, at Monte Sano State Park, 5105 SE Nolen Ave Huntsville, AL 35801 at the Trailhead Pavillion.

Private family interment to be held.

In lieu of flowers for those wishing to make donations, the family would appreciate donations in Doug's name to the Von Braun Astronomical Society (VBAS.org) or the Huntsville Botanical Gardens (hsvbg.org) in Doug's name.