Jack L. Horner

July 10, 1947 - Sept. 26, 2008

FRUITA—Jack L. Horner of Fruita, Colo., formerly of Montrose, Colo., passed away at his home on Friday, Sept. 26, 2008 in Fruita at the age of 61.

Jack was born July 10, 1947 in Provo, Utah to Charles and Wanda (Howe) Horner. He spent his childhood and graduated from Telluride High School in 1965. He continued his education in college and also served 20 years in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman, retiring as a master chief.

He served his country with the Marines in Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Star for heroism. Jack married Dixie Fruit July 2, 1968 in San Diego. Before returning to Colorado they lived in San Diego, Oklahoma, Japan and Seattle.

Both Jack and Dixie owned and operated Forest Classics Log Homes in Montrose for many years. They moved to Fruita a year and a half ago from Montrose. Before moving to Montrose, Jack and Dixie attended Grace Community Church for 23 years. Jack enjoyed his family, friends and the outdoors, camping and traveling.

Survivors include his wife, Dixie of the family home in Fruita; children Brandon Horner (Bridget) of Montrose; Autumn Shenk (Gabriel) of Lone Pine, Calif.; six grandchildren, Emmline Horner, Mitchel Horner, Eliza Shenk, Peter Shenk, Wesley Shenk and Annabelle Shenk; brothers and sisters, Mike Horner (Roxie), Placerville, Colo., Larry Horner (Wanda), Grand Junction, Colo., Mark Horner (Cristine), Grand Junction, Leigh Birdwell (Bill), Wendell, Idaho, Charlene Wiegand of Grand Junction, Sandy Bates (Gary) Grand Junction; and sister-in-law Bonnie Nuss (Ken). He also leaves eight nieces and four nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Nila Horner, and a sister, Geraldine Thayer.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008 at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO. The service will conclude at  the chapel.