Walter HORNING

HORNING, Walter John - of Fenton, age 83, ran into the arms of his Loving Savior on December 14, 2010, after a valiant three month battle with brain cancer. He was born on January 10, 1927, in Ann Arbor, Michigan to William and Katherine Horning. He was a veteran and served in the Navy at the end of World War II. A few years after his discharge he met Dorothy, his "honey suckle baby rose". After several months of courtship, they were married in Detroit, Michigan. Within a few short years, five children were born. Walter was a firefighter and worked for the City of Detroit for 30 years before retiring. It was during that time that Walt attended night school, at Wayne State University, for eight years, before receiving his bachelor's degree in education. Upon retirement Walt and Dorothy moved to Waxhaw, North Carolina to work at the JAARS Center, a division of Wycliffe Bible Translators. They willingly volunteered their services for 20 years. In 2002 they returned to Michigan and chose to live in Fenton. They continued to winter in North Carolina and volunteer at the JAARS center until 2009. They became active members at Tyrone Covenant Presbyterian Church. Walt delighted in playing the role of the prophet Isaiah in the annual Jesus Walk. Two days after brain surgery he dramatically recited his lines to family, friends, and hospital staff in his rich bass voice. Those who know Walt first and foremost knew of his commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. Walt loved his family. In August Walt and Dorothy celebrated their 60th anniversary in Colorado at a special family gathering. All relatives were present. Walt would proudly show pictures of the wonderful event to nearly everyone he saw. Walt was an avid sports fan and athlete. He made many friends at the McLaren Fitness Center during his daily workouts. He loved to play golf. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and family members fondly remember the twinkle in his blue eyes, and his charming smile. Walt was well informed and could carry on an intelligent conversation on most any subject. Walter touched many lives and this was evident at the never ending stream of visitors while at Caretel in Linden during his last days. His legacy of personal faith, love, commitment, humor, laughter, love of work, and compassion will live on in the lives of his offspring. Walt, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa - you will be greatly missed, but we know we will see you again in eternity. Walter is survived by his wife Dorothy of Fenton, Michigan, sons, David and Jane Horning of Leadville Colorado, Gary and Mary Horning of Fenton, Michigan, daughters Debbie and Rick Louisignau of Redford, Michigan, Rebecca and Bob Kern of Seattle, Washington, and Sharon Horning of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and brother George Horning of Golden, Colorado, thirteen grand children, and 10 great grand children. He taught us all how to live and now have taught us all how to die. Memorial contributions can be made to Christian Aid, Wycliffe Bible Translators, or Tyrone Covenant Presbyterian Church. Visitation at Sharp Funeral Home, Fenton Chapel, 1000 W. Silver Lake Rd., Fenton, Thursday, December 16 from 2-8. Funeral on Friday, December 17, 11:00 am, Tyrone Covenant Presbyterian Church of Fenton. Friends may share an online tribute on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Visitation

Thursday, December 16, 2010 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel
1000 Silver Lake Road Fenton 48430, United States

Funeral Service

Friday, December 17, 2010 11:00 AM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel
1000 Silver Lake Road Fenton 48430, United States