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Donald Horner Obituary
Donald King Horner passed away on the morning of Sept. 10, in Vacaville. He was 69. Don was born in Des Moines, Iowa, Feb. 11, 1940 to Roy and Margaret Horner. He married his beloved wife Karen Davis on March 25, 1961. Don retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant. After retirement he was in the Air Force Reserves and later Civil Service totaling 40 years of service to his country.
Don could best be described as a loving husband and father who always put his family first. He had a strong Christian Faith and was a member of Valley Church. He was loyal and had a heart of gold.
Don is survived by his wife of 48 years, Karen; sons, Jeffrey (Marcie) Horner, Robert Horner, and William (Joni) Horner; daughter Cheri (Greg) Reed; sisters and brothers-in-laws, Joe and Connie Ring and Frank and Jessica Thorne; 8 grandchildren, Jennifer, Justin, Kelli, Ami, Nathaniel, Paige, Brittney and Nicholas; 2 great grandchildren, Connor and Marisol. Don is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews and a host of extended family and friends.
A Memorial Service will be Thursday, Sept. 17, at noon at Valley Church, 5063 Maple Road in Vacaville. Pastor Raleigh Galgan will officiate. Private burial will be at the Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to AWANA c/o Valley Church.
Arrangements are by Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home 446-3233
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Horner
Richard Gilmore
October 2, 2009
As an engineer in the 7th, I flew with Don several times. I was impressed by his professionalism and his love of flying. He taught me not only to be a better engineer, but a better person. He will be missed.
Sean Poynter
September 17, 2009
Don was a great mentor to me as what the Air Force expects of it's young Airman. He always had a caring, listening attitude and always steered you back on the path of success when you had issues.
Don Horner will be greatly missed, and it was a honor to know you.
God Bess your family.
Sincerely Sean Poynter
Tim & JeriAnn Eakin
September 16, 2009
So long Don. I think I was your last checkride in the Reserves back in November of 1994? Anyway a long time ago, and that's my story...
I enjoyed seeing Don around Travis after the 708th, and having him on the other end when talking to mission control.
Was always nice to see Don and Karen as well the time we attended Valley.
Lou Ann Spencer
September 16, 2009
Dear Karen and family,
Shocked me to hear of Don's passing. Just as I know how big a hole his loss leaves, I also know that you will be filling your hearts with loving memories and celebrating a good live well lived. My prayers are that the healing comes quickly. May God bless and comfort you.
Alex Schneider
September 15, 2009
Dear Karen and family:
Our condolences for the loss of your husband and father.
Carol and Alex Schneider, 708th MAS.
JACK PLEDGER
September 15, 2009
I have so many memories of the things Don and I have done together. Our time goes back 38 years when we meet in the 7th Squarron and thru his time in the Reserve. Karen and his family was part of those memories. Don was always one I could depend on to give better than 100%. My prayers go out to the family!! Jack and Yvonne Pledger ( Arizona City AZ)
Laura Niles
September 15, 2009
I was so afraid of Don the first time I flew with him, his scowl look and having the title of examiner made me shake. But on that first trip, I found out he was one of the kindest and fairest men in the 708th. On our trips, Don always talked about Karen like they were best friends. So sorry he left this earth so soon. I'm sure he's sitting jump seat somewhere. : )
Dan Clifford
September 14, 2009
To the Horner Family,
Many of my Air Force Friends have said it better then I can on all of our loss. God Bless you all.
William and Nancy Thompson
September 14, 2009
Don was a great and humbled man. He ran the 349 AMW wing OPS like no other. He always had a kind word for all who greeted him. Karen, the Lord is well pleased with Don. Our family sends our prayer and condolences to you and your family. William and Nancy Thompson
William O'Hearn
September 14, 2009
I was stunned and saddened to hear of Don's passing. He was a good guy to fly with and a big help during my transition to the 708 MAS. My condolences to his wife and family.
September 14, 2009
Don was a good friend that could be always be counted on. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen and family.
Larry Rodriguez, 65/349 AES
Terry Rager
September 14, 2009
To Karen and family, I had the great privilege of flying and working with Don, starting as a 2nd Lt. all the way through retirement. He was always the consummate professional, the man with the answers when you needed them, and that dry sense of humor that showed up at the most unexpected times. It was an honor knowing him.
Rich Stockand
September 14, 2009
Don was there when I hired into the 708th. I learned a lot from this man. My Condolences go out to his family.
Bob Shaw, Msgt. Retired
September 13, 2009
I had flown with Don a few times as I was in the 86th. He was a real pro when it came to the C-141.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Ujiiye
September 13, 2009
I can't explain the the shock I felt when I saw Don's picture in the obituaries. He was always a great encouragement to me. Someone I could always count on. A great loss for so many people here...but it is very comforting to know HE STILL LIVES! I look forward to the day, I will see what he now sees! God bless your family.
Patrick Bentley
September 13, 2009
Our Condolences, I will always remember the times with Don while we were out in the system as well as back in the office in the 708th....I sure hope them angels up there have their DASH 1's in order...Don was always helpful to everyone and a class act in his own way.... Again, Sorry for your loss.
Benny Clark
September 13, 2009
To Karen and family, Ann and I are very sorry for your loss. Don and I were very good friends and great co-workers. I will surely miss him. I learned a lot from him. May God bless and keep him safe.
Love from Benny and Ann Clark
Christchurch
New Zealand
Carter Crewe
September 13, 2009
Have flown in the 708th many times with Don. He was always the "ultimate" professional. His spirits will be forever emblazoned in the incredible sunsets going west out over the Pacific. Betty and I wish him a safe final journey.
Betty & Carter Crewe LtCol, USAF (Ret)
Bill & Diane Christensen
September 13, 2009
Our Condolences to the entire Horner Family. Don was a true professional in every sense of the word. I too was privledged enough to recive my initial Flight Engineer check ride from Don while I was in the 7th MAS. The lessons lessons learned remained with me throughout my flying career. He will be missed.
September 13, 2009
To Karen and family,
Know that you are in our prayers and that the love of Christ will give you peace and comfort during this time.
Richard and Judy Pendleton
Jerry Pryce
September 13, 2009
To Don's family,
I extend my sympathy on your loss. We of the 7th MAS and the extended Travis flying family will miss the professionalism and work ethic that was Don. As a young flight engineer in the 7th I was privileged to receive my initial flight engineer checkride from Don. I have never forgotten the things I learned on those two days - they have followed me through my flying career.
Don was always a consumate professional, he led by example and I am proud to count him as one of my friends.
Albert (PJ) Pjosek
September 13, 2009
Duke called me last night and told me about the passing of Don. I flew with Don many times when we were in the 7th MAS. I am sure he will be dearly missed by ALL.
Our prayers go out to his family.
God Bless his soul and may he rest in peace.
Joe Mras
September 13, 2009
Don will be remembered by me as the true professional that he was. A fun-loving, dedicated man that was there for you whenever needed. While physically no longer with us, he will be remembered by all of us that knew him.
Rob Wayne
September 13, 2009
I worked with Don over about 10 yrs at Travis.
I remember the day Don's father died--we brought him in from a flight so that he could go home. I was amazed at how well be seemed to be at peace with it. His father must have known the Lord. I take comfort it knowing that Don did too. May we all see him again someday.
September 13, 2009
Don and I served served together in the 7th MAS, I always enjoyed his company and he will be missed by all. TROY FORE CMSgt, RET. USAF. TROY and JERRI FORE Malvern, Ar.
Ed / Tom Henschel
September 13, 2009
To the Horner family:
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted in knowing Don was truly a family man, honest person and will liked.
Victor Perry
September 12, 2009
To Don's Family
I was in the 86 MAS but I flew with Don on several times. It's always hard to hear of the passing of a fellow aircrew member. Prayers go out from my family to yours.
VIC PERRY, RETIRED MSGT (Vacaville, CA)
September 12, 2009
Don and myself went to Flight Engineer School together. we both came to Travis.Don went to the 7th Sq and I went to the 86th Sq.
My condolence to the Family and my prayers are with you.
Howard (Pete) Gunn USAF Msgt Retired
Barry Crocker
September 12, 2009
Don was one of my first instructors when I checked into the 7th MAS and a great friend. He will be missed.
Barry and Joyce Crocker
September 12, 2009
I enjoyed flying with Don over the years when I was in the 86 MAS. Please accept my condolence.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
CLAYTON "GENE" SNOWDEN, CMSgt Retired
United States Air Force
Rick Stills
September 12, 2009
I learned so much about the C-141 from Don when I was a student in the 7th MAS. What a great teacher and mentor. All my best to his family.
Lionel J. (Joe) Cafiero
September 12, 2009
I flew with Don many years in the 7MAS and I was saddened learn of the passing of a fellow aircrew member. My condolences, thoughts and prayers for his family.
Aunt Carlene Pearson
September 12, 2009
Jeff and family,
I've been told your father was a fun and loving person, and I know that you and your family have suffered a great loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karlyn (Roberts) Morris
September 12, 2009
To Karen, Jeff, Bob,Bill, and Cheri, i'm sorry to hear about the loss of your father and husband. Having lost my mom in 2003, i know the heart ache you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Matti Ravio
September 12, 2009
Don was a wonderful man and had a great family. I enjoyed flying with over the years.
Karen, God Bless you and your family at this time.
Dora, Earl Moore
September 12, 2009
You will be dearly missed
Marcie Horner
September 12, 2009
We will always miss you Grandad...
Love: Paige, Brittney, Nathaniel, Nicholas, Marisol and Marcie
Shannon Cherimisin
September 12, 2009
So sorry for your loss...Don was a sweet man and will be missed by many.
Preston Epperson
September 12, 2009
A great loss and my prayers go out to the family.
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