Clyde Earl Horner, 94, of Tionesta, passed away Friday, April 18, 2014 at Clarview Nursing and Rehab in Sligo PA.
Born October 12, 1919 in Hooversville PA, he was the son of the late Levi M. and Lottie A. Shaffer Horner.
Clyde was married May 10, 1940 to the Dorothy Jane Fisher Horner; in a double wedding with his sister-in-law Helen Corbett and her husband Charles, formerly of Hooversville, PA. The ceremony took place at Christ Lutheran Church in Jennerstown. His loving wife Dorothy preceded him in death on January 24, 2011, after seventy years of marriage.
Clyde attended eight years of school at Quemahoning Township School. At age 10 he grew his first potato crop as a 4-H project. Clyde joined his father on the home farm after completing school. He also lumbered, deep mined, and produced maple syrup. In 1940 upon marriage Clyde joined Fisher Brothers Farms as a partner with his brother-in-law, David Fisher and grew potatoes and dairy farmed through 1954. In 1955 Clyde and Dorothy moved to Stoystown, PA and created Long Acres Potato Farms. In 1967 Clyde and Dorothy moved to Clarion County and for two years they farmed in both Clarion and Somerset Counties. The three-generation farming operation produces and sells potatoes and grain on 3000 acres and supplies crop inputs, equipment and trucking throughout Western Pennsylvania. Clyde was active in all aspects of the family business from grading and selling potatoes, to bookkeeping and strategic planning. He actively ran equipment including his favorite 7810 John Deere tractor until recently.
Clyde was extremely proud of his family, grandchildren and employees and was happiest when surrounded by them. He will forever be remembered for his kindness, practicality, devotion, and love of education and reading. He will be remembered for his hard work and cooperative spirit and always believed that “Any job worth doing was worth doing well.” He enjoyed traveling, visiting many foreign countries and all 50 states. He was extremely passionate about agriculture and was very proud to be the founder of Long Acres Potato Farm. He enjoyed gardening and had a hunting camp for many years in Clinton County. He especially enjoyed spending the winter in Kissimmee, Florida with his family.
He was a committed member of Faith Lutheran Church in Venus, PA. He was also very active in Farm Bureau Advisory Council. In 1977 and 2014 Clyde and Long Acres Farms were selected as Clarion County Farmer of the Year.
He is survived by two children and their spouses: Donald J. Horner and wife Ethel (Shockey), of Tionesta; and Doris J. Beck and husband Clarence, of Tionesta.
Clyde “Poppy” will be deeply missed by his 5 grandchildren and spouses: Rhonda Bendal and husband Larry of Tionesta; Douglas Horner of Orlando, FL; Janeen Leon and husband Carlos of Strongsville, OH; Dr. Janice Dunkle and husband John of Sigel; and Bryan Beck and wife Heidi of Tionesta; twelve great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
Clyde was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, his parents, his step-mother Velma Roland, an infant brother, an infant sister, a brother Herbert Horner and sisters Mildred Stotler and Betty Phillippi.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2014 at the Faller Funeral Home in Fryburg.
Funeral Services and Liturgy will be conducted at Faith Lutheran Church, Venus, on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., Rev. John Wood will officiate.
On Wednesday, April 23, 2014 friends will be received at Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home, 494 Main Street, Somerset, PA 15501 from 10am to 11:30am. Internment will be at 11:30am at the Somerset Memorial Park, 104 New Centerville Road, Somerset, PA with Rev. John A. Wood will be officiating.
Charitable donations may be made in Clyde’s memory to the Faith Lutheran Church.
Please visit www.fallerfuneralhome.com to share your memories and photos and offer your condolences.
Charitable donations may be made in Clyde’s memory to the following organization:
Faith Lutheran Church
1759 County Line Rd., Venus, PA 16364
Tel: 814-354-2537
