Ernest Chester Horner departed his earthly bonds surrounded by the family that loved him, in the home he built, on April 27, 2018. Ernie was born to Milton and Lizzie Horner in the front bedroom of his parents’ home in Ft. Ritner, Indiana on October 21, 1926.
He was drafted out of high school on February 2, 1945, at the age of 18, to join his 3 older brothers in defending our country during WWII. Ernie obtained his GED while in service. He served his country proudly during his deployment in the Pacific Theater.
He entertained his family with many of his stories of his deployment. Being from a small country home he had his eyes opened to many things. Ernie put his family first as they were so important in his life.
For those that knew Ernie you knew that he was a kind man that would help with whatever was asked, but he had a very strong work ethic and if you were paid to do a job you did it how it should be done. Ernie spent 39 years and 9 months working for Public Service Indiana, 5 years at the Dresser Power Plant and the rest was spent at Wabash River Generating Station. As of April 1, 2018 he has been retired for 30 years.
He had an amazing ability for repairing things and could regale you with so many stories of events throughout his years. His family was always amazed by his stories and the ability to not only tell the stories but could give you the date and time that it happened. Ernie was proud of his accomplishments and of his family.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, whom he married on April 9, 1972, Patsy Mershon Horner. Also his 3 daughters Sandy (Monte) Reece of Brazil, IN, Vicki (John) Collins of West Terre Haute, Jackie (Bill) Jackson of Clinton, his son Randy (Brenda) Mershon of Indianapolis. His 9 grandchildren, Jacob (Renee) Reece of New Orleans, Jarrod (Megan) Reece of Indianapolis, Jessica Reece of Salt Lake City, Utah, John (Angie) Collins of Dennison, IL, Josh (Randi) Collins of West Terre Haute, Sarah Bailey of Terre Haute, Steve (Elissa) Jackson, Jennifer (Rob) Kirchoff of Rosedale.
Also his 9 great grandchildren Lainey (and her new sibling arriving in May), Tristan, Adelyn, Jack, Zane, Blaine, Lexie, Dakota, and Hannah. He also has one surviving brother Raymond (Jewel) Horner of Mobile, Alabama, 2 sisters-in-law Mary Ethel Horner, and Betty Horner and numerous nieces and nephews. Ernie was preceded in death by 4 brothers James, George, Roy, Gene and 1 sister Helen Nichols.
The legacy he left his family for his love of family, work ethic, kindness, storytelling, and so much more will live on for many generations to come. Ernie was a past member of the West Terre Haute Masonic Lodge, and a member of the former Smith Park United Methodist Church. For those who attended his celebration of life for his 90th birthday in 2016 he was truly touched by your attendance and/or the cards that were sent to him.
Being able to visit with you while he could talk to you meant a lot to him. Therefore, per his wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service. There will be a private family burial of his ashes at a later date.
Greiner Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at: www.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
