Charles Kendal Horner, 90, of College Station, died September 24th, 2009, after an extended illness. He was born July 10th, 1919, in Abilene KS to Charles and Alma Horner.
He graduated from Kansas State University in 1941, majoring in music and physics. He was an accomplished trombonist and cellist. As a warrant officer in the U.S. Army’s 69th Division during World War II, he conducted the 69th Division Band and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor in combat. After World War II, he taught music at Ft. Hays State Teachers College in Hays KS for two years, then sold musical instruments in Norton KS until 1952. From 1952 to 1970, he and Eleanor owned a Skogmoís clothing store in Plainville KS. During that time, he also taught music at several schools in the Plainville area.
Mr. Horner was instrumental in bringing a Schult Homes Corporation mobile-home manufacturing plant to Plainville KS and Navasota TX. He worked in various management positions for Schult in Plainville, Elkhart IN, and Navasota TX, from 1970 until his retirement in 1984. After retiring from Schult, he consulted extensively in the mobile-home industry and served for a number of years with SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). In 2008, he received a 65 year Masonic membership recognition from Kansas and Texas.
He married Ellen Marquis in 1989. They shared many cultural adventures in Europe, Asia and North and Central America.
He loved his family, spirited discussions of political and philosophical issues, good stories, and playing the cello. He was a member of Sul Ross Lodge #1300, a 33rd-degree scottish Rite Mason and National Sojourner; College Station Noon Lions Club and A-M United Methodist Church. For several years he was a member of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. He set high standards for himself and others, driven by a deep sense of justice, compassion, and wonder.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Eleanor (Nelson) Horner;
his siblings, Karl Horner, Seward Horner, Marie Bryan, Dorothy Davis, and Nelva Peery.
Mr. Horner is survived by his second wife, Ellen (Hausman) Marquis Horner of College Station; his daughter, Harriette Horner of ChimayÛ NM; his son, Jack Horner and wife Linda ìClanceyî Maloney of El Rancho NM; stepdaughters Marion Helen (Marquis) Poulain and husband Gary Poulain of Edmond OK; Ellen Terry (Marquis) Massey and husband Randy Massey of Stone Mountain GA; Helen Louise (Marquis) Wood and husband Lee Wood of Taipei, Taiwan; step-grandchildren Katherine Poulain of Williamsburg VA; James and wife Sandy Poulain of Kansas City MO; Daniel Poulain of Edmond OK; Chris Massey and David Massey of College Station TX; Catherine and Hannah Wood of Taipei, Taiwan, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Charlie was a very important person in my life. He came to Schult Homes-Navasota the same time that I did. He was a special mentor to me. God bless and watch over his family. Bill Sears
I never had the chance to meet Brother Horner, but after reading his obit I know that I would have been impressed with his lifetime of accomplishment and found a friend to talk to because of our shared love of music. He lived his life according to the highest ideals of the Fraternity. I wish we had more just like him.
Jason Johnston, PM
Brazos Union #129
Bryan, TX
Deepest sympathy to Ellen and family.
Charlie will be missed by so many.
Love, Donna and Richard Ridgway
To express our deep sympathy to you on your loss. We thank Mr. Charles for serving our country during WW II in the U.S. Army, 69th Division – receiving the Bronze Star for valor in combat. You were a member of ‘the greatest generation’. May God’s Speed Be With You Soldier. Thank you for your many civic contributions to the Brazos Valley.
cjo
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.
Dear Jack and Harriette,
What a life a 90-year-old, your father, lived and what a gift to have had him in your lives for so many years. Even so, I am sure you are missing his presence. Good for memories. May yours be rich and many. Thinking of you both. Ann