Richard "Dick" Horner

Richard “Dick” Horner passed away March 25, 2024, at Cornerstone Hospice House in Tavares, FL. He died of age-related causes and perhaps a broken heart as he lost Ruth, his wife of 67 years, five months earlier. Richard was born on April 8, 1932, in Chicago IL, the only child of Dorothy Eikenbary Horner and Harold Harrison Horner. His family moved several times and in five different states. He had fond memories of elementary school in Brighton, IN. After graduating from Van Wert (Ohio) HS in 1950, he attended Jackson JC in Michigan and enlisted in the Army in 1953. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. He was top of his class in radio communications and received the National Defense Service Medal. He was released from active military service in June 1955. After serving in the Army Reserve, he was honorably discharged in August 1961. He graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in Resource Development. Richard married Ruth Reitnauer on September 8, 1956 in Jackson, MI. After graduating with his MS, he began working as a property appraiser for the state of Michigan and moved to Grand Rapids, MI. In 1970 a promotion moved the family to Midland, MI. They enjoyed many years attending CMU football games and watching women’s softball. He retired in 1993 and they moved to their new home on Chandler Lake in Traverse City, MI. He kept detailed records of his water clarity studies and planted hundreds of trees in his lifetime. Long before google maps, there were Dads legendary hand drawn maps. He created and copyrighted a topographical map of Chandler Lake. Richard was a measure twice, cut once kind of guy; always paying attention to details. Some of his favorite woodworking projects included Cocoa’s perch for our beloved family dog and a box for the back of his paddle boat to carry necessities while touring Chandler Lake. Eventually he buried Cocoa in a beautiful box he made and under a tree he had planted. We camped a lot, often at places that he discovered while driving all over Michigan as an appraiser. Richard enjoyed road trips and visited all 50 states. He kept us “amused” belting out songs like “Hole in the Bottom of the Sea.” He knew where to get ice cream everywhere he traveled. They loved Mackinac Island and dressing up for the “Somewhere in Time” weekend. To be near family they moved to the Villages, FL. in 2000 and later to Lakeview Terrace, Altoona, FL. They delivered Meals on Wheels, and enjoyed new friends from church and neighborhood, and took several cruises. In his baby book we found this charge written by his mother “Always remember dear to be stalwart, honest, and true; believe in God and follow in his footsteps.” Job well done, good and faithful servant. He is survived by daughter Karen Horner Dyste (Matthew), son Douglas Horner (Brenda), grandchildren Jacob (Anna) Dyste, Jenna Dyste, Lauren Horner, and great grandson Alder Dyste. A joint memorial and interment will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. Richard was extremely generous and charitable. Donations in his memory can be made to Brighton Chapel Brethren Church 5415 N. SR-3 Howe, IN 46746. Or plant a tree and think of him as you take a walk and get ice cream. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.

Richard "Dick" Horner

April 8, 1932 - March 25, 2024