Wilbur Burton Horner (1944)

HORNER, WILLIAMS

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/14/2015 at 13:48:18

Earlham Echo – Earlham, Iowa
June 22, 1944

Wilbur Burton Horner, son of Minnie E. and Milton Horner, was born in Dallas county on November 18, 1904. At the age of three years, his father passed away, leaving he and his mother to make their home with his maternal grandparents. He attended school in Earlham, and later at Bear Creek. While living in Oskaloosa with his mother, and attending high school, he decided on a mechanical and electrical course, and spent several months in Detroit, Michigan. He continued to work there, and then went to Newton, New Jersey. In 1925, he returned to Iowa. On March 17, 1926 he was united in marriage with Pauline Williams of Dexter. To this union were born four children. They made their home on the family farm for a short time and then lived in Redfield for nearly a year.

In 1928, they moved to Des Moines, and lived there until the spring of 1933 when with their two small sons Jack and Jimmy they came back to the farm in Bear Creek. Two little girls came to them here, Loma Jean, and Nancy Ann.

For the past two years his health slowly failed, but his constant thought was to spare his family any hardship and he wouldn’t give up. On Monday morning, May 22, he was taken to the Dexter clinic, where he remained until he passed away on June 8, at the age of 39 years, five months, and 10 days. Every effort of medical skill and loving care were given to him. He was so appreciative of all that was done for him.

To all of his many friends he was known by the name of “Jack”. He enjoyed his friends and gave unstintingly of himself to be a friend.

He loved his home and his family, and wanted above all to be a “pal” to his children, and was ever a loving and considerate husband and father.

He leaves to mourn their loss—his wife, Pauline, two sons, Jack and Jimmie, two daughters, Loma Jean and Nancy Ann, all at home, and his mother Minnie E.; also his grandmother, Mrs. Nancy Ann Horner of Redfield, and a host of relatives and friends.

Services were held Sunday, June 11th at the Bear Creek church with the pastor Rev. John McCracken having charge. “Saved by Grace” and “Sunrise Tomorrow” were sung by Gertrude Conrad and Alma Mapes with Berneice Hadley at the piano. Burial was in the Bear Creek cemetery.