Joe J. Horn, M.D.

Dr. Joe Horn is known for his many contributions to the Plainview community, not just as a doctor but also as a Christian teacher, lay preacher, and public servant. His long medical practice here includes past service as chief of staff of the former Plainview Hospital and ongoing service as medical director of the local Formby-Wheeler units of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where he also continues his prison ministry.

Joe J. Horn was born in Wellington, Texas in 1925 and graduated from Wellington High in 1942. His education at the University of Texas, Austin was interrupted by his World War II service in the Navy from 1943 to 1946 and a bout with tuberculosis in 1947-48. After a year in a sanitarium, he pursued his pre-med studies at the university and graduated in May 1950. In July of that year he married Ann Combs and entered Southwestern Medical School in Dallas in the fall. He received his M.D. in 1954.

After Dr. Horn finished his internship in McKinney, Texas, the couple moved to Plainview in 1955, and he began a private practice at the local medical center. He did his residency in internal medicine at Baylor Hospital in Houston from 1962 to 1965, then returned to practice at Plainview Hospital and the medical center. As hospital chief of staff he oversaw many improvements in medical procedures and patient care. He took his present position at the prison complex in 1990.

An active member and officer of the First Methodist Church and many of its committees over the years, Dr. Horn taught both youth and adult Sunday School classes. He is a longtime member of Gideons International and a staunch supporter of the Salvation Army. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and the Plainview–Hale County Industrial Foundation and gave to the YMCA and the United Way, among other causes. He is also a member and former officer of the Lions Club and Toastmasters’ Club.