Charles William Horning

Charles William Horning
August 08, 1926 - January 08, 2012
Keota, Iowa
Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. January 11, 2012 at Powell Funeral Home - Keota
Visitation: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. January 10, 2012 at Powell Funeral Home - Keota
Interment: January 11, 2012 at Keota Cemetery
A gentle man with a loving heart passed away quietly at home on Sunday, January 8, 2012, surrounded by his family. Charles William Horning, 85, was born at the "Century Family Farm" south of Keota on August 8, 1926, to George "Dewey" and Ethel "Mae" (Brown) Horning. Attending Shinbone country school, Charles worked on the farm and was a farmhand for neighbors in his youth. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Charles was employed at Amana Refrigeration and for the majority of the 35 years of service, he was a foreman in the Quality Control Department. Charles married Joan Marie Gerard at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, on December 23, 1957. Farming had always "been in his blood" and after his "Day Job," he would work on the farm. Charles' retirement years were spent farming the family farm as well as the farm he resided at in Clear Creek Township. He was a 56-year member of the Richland American Legion Post #504. He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, deer hunting with family and friends, playing pepper, watching "Wheel of Fortune," rooting for the Green Bay Packers and the Cubs and listening to country music. Declared by his family to be a great cook, his potato soup and fried potatoes were the best. Charles vacationed with his family in many states and enjoyed Sunday afternoon drives. Devoted to his family, he supported his children and grandchildren by attending their school activities and sharing his interests with them. Charles' family, friends and neighbors were his treasures. His life and the way he lived it is his legacy to his proud family. Charles leaves behind a strong family bond with fond memories and love in their hearts. He will forever be missed. Charles is survived by Joan; his children: Angela (John) Carr, Rex (Patty) Horning and Crystial (Brian) Wright, all of Keota; nine grandchildren: Sarah (Josh) Greiner, Josh (Kristin) Carr, Ryan Carr, Jillian (Dan) Redlinger, Jaris (Lisa) Horning, Dillon Horning, Erica (Chet) Cave, Leah (Trevor) Hayes and Taylor Wright; seven and a half great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law: Betty (Bob) Jacobs, Velma (Vern) Mayes and Dorris Gerard; brother-in-law: Melvin Gerard; numerous nieces and nephews and his faithful canine companion, "Max." His loved ones who have gone before him include his parents and very close brother George "Leslie" Horning. Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at Powell Funeral Home in Keota, with Rev. Dennis Hopes officiating. Burial of cremated remains will be at Keota Cemetery. Memorial visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for Keota Community School or Hospice of Washington County. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Charles and his family. Condolences may be e-mailed at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.