Robert G. "Bob" Horner

Faithful husband, beloved father, and dedicated grandfather, Robert George Horner passed away peacefully on September 5, at the Rose Arbor Hospice Home in Kalamazoo.

Robert, better known as “busy“ Bob, was born on August 5, 1929 in Grosse Pointe, MI to Eva (Coppin) and Henry Horner. He moved to Battle Creek during his high school years, graduating from St. Philip Catholic School. From there he went on to Kalamazoo College, where he met the love of his life, Mary Jo Rix. Shortly after graduation they married before he enlisted in officer training. He proudly served for 4 years during the Korean War. Bob then returned to Battle Creek, where he and his wife Mary Jo raised four daughters. He joined his father at the family car dealership, Horner-Coppin Chrysler Plymouth, where he worked for over 40 years, retiring in 1994. In retirement they enjoyed winters in Florida and traveling to many wonderful places. When Mary Jo was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Bob faithfully and lovingly cared for her until her death in April of this year.

Bob loved being around people and socializing. He belonged to many business and social organizations over the years. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, helping with the Dad’s Club for many years as well. He enjoyed poker nights with the guys, playing bridge with friends, and golfing. He especially loved any activities involving his family. Family meant everything to him.

Surviving Bob are his daughters Carol (Rick) King of Kalamazoo, Nancy (Bill) Ford of Loudon, TN, Jean (Tom) Andersen of Battle Creek, and son-in-law John Shinar of North Oaks, MN. He was preceded in death by siblings Henry Horner and Marion Zull, his daughter Martha Shinar and his wife Mary Jo. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren (with 2 more on their way). 

 

The family wants to recognize the staff, especially Ashley and Jen, at Centrica Care Navigators for their kind, loving care and support for Bob and the family. Their compassion and devotion will be forever appreciated. 

 

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 29, 2023 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek.  A memorial mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 30, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bob's name to  Centrica Care Navigators (www.centricacare.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).  Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Bob may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.