Delmer A. Horner, 87

Delmer A. Horner, 87, of Polson, passed away on Monday, Sept. 8, 2009, at the Montana Veteran's Home in Columbia Falls. Del was born on March 25, 1922, in Beresford, S.D., a son of the late Harry and Rebecca Smith Horner.

He graduated from Ronan High School, and in 1944 married Lillian Marie Meirers who died in 2006.

Del was a U.S. Army veteran, having dutifully served in the U.S. Army Air Corps for four years during World War II. Del flew a P-47 Thunderbolt during the war and was shot down in the Saipan area. He received many medals during his years of service, including the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.

Upon his discharge from the military, Del went to work for the U.S. Post Office in Polson. He started as a mail clerk and then later became postmaster, in 1977. Del served the Polson community for 38 years in the post office.

Among some of his interests, Del was a former commander for the Polson VFW; he sat on the Polson Country Club board; and enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf.

His parents; wife, Lillian; sisters, Hazel and Marilyn; and a granddaughter, Saundra, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his daughters, Francie and Robert Dailey, and Julie and Lonnie Hankinson; a son, Randy, and Dee Horner; a brother, Marvin Horner; seven grandchildren, Shawn, Bo, Lena, Rial, Tucker, Randy and Jeff; and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Sept. 11, at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., Polson. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Polson with Rev. Paul Rowold officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be considered to either the Polson VFW, or to the Polson Loaves & Fish Food Bank.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, is assisting the family.