RONALD HORNER

Ronald “Ronnie” Horner, 85, of Canton, Mo., passed away April 2, 2026, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill.
Ronnie was born June 25, 1940, on the Horner family farm North of Canton, to Marion E. Horner and Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Schlager Horner. He married Linda Lou Turner on December 24, 1961, in Canton, MO. She preceded him in death on November 27, 2018.
Survivors include his children, Robert (Robyn) Horner of Gardner, Kan., Richard (Kristy) Horner of Canton, Mo., Randy (Carmen Chan) Horner of Miami Fla., sisters, Nancy Barry of Canton, Mo., Carolyn (Kenneth) Collins of Canton, Mo., grandchildren, Drew (Hannah) Horner of Canton, Mo., Lyndsey (Tom Hung) Horner of San Diego, Calif., great grandchildren, Austin Horner, Avery Horner, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, wife, father and mother-in-law Charles and Lucille Quinn, brothers-in-law, Ralph Ludwig, Ronald Barry, Phillip (Kathy) Turner, and Mike Turner.
Ronnie was a hardworking, generous, and endlessly optimistic man whose life was defined by service to family, friends, and his community.
Ronnie attended rural school at Gravel Hill before graduating from Canton High School in 1958. From a young age, he developed a strong work ethic that carried him through many successful ventures. Alongside his father, he owned and operated Horner Trucking, later expanding his skills into operating heavy equipment, particularly bulldozers. Even very recently, Ronnie could be found dozing dirt at the new home of his grandson, Drew & wife Hannah.
Ronnie then later farmed along with Ivan Clark, working the land with equipment he admired and trusted. His passion for machinery extended beyond work; he found such enjoyment anytime he could be making a deal on a new car, truck, or piece of machinery. He also took great pride in his toy tractor collection.
Known for his giving nature and positive outlook, Ronnie was always willing to help—whether family, friends, or anyone in need. His kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Ronnie loved traveling with his wife, Linda, in their motor home and later spent winters in their Punta Gorda, Florida home, where he enjoyed golfing nearly every day. He proudly recorded three hole in ones. A sports fan at heart, he especially loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals and followed many other sports as well. He enjoyed playing cards including Blackjack, Texas Hold ‘em and enjoyed an “occasional” trip to the Casino.
Ronnie also loved horse racing and achieved a remarkable distinction as the only Clark County resident horse owner to ever win the Clark County Derby.
Those who knew Ronnie knew of his sweet tooth. He especially loved his sisters’ homemade desserts—German chocolate cake, chocolate pie, and strawberry shortcake were his favorites. Avery and Austin, his great grandchildren, loved visiting Papa Ronnie and sharing his powdered sugar doughnuts and ice cream with him, creating many cherished memories.
Music was another important part of Ronnie’s life. He served as the sound man for The Rising Suns, a band that included his wife, son, Bob Horner, and Tony Job. The band played nearly every weekend, and one of Ronnie’s favorite songs was “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” which he always danced to. Ronnie purchased nearly all of the sound equipment for the band with money he earned from late night coon hunts with Denny Job and others.
Ronnie was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of the Special Road District, River Valley Country Club, the American Legion, and a lifelong member of the Eagles. He also served actively on the Canton R-V school board and Canton fire board, always working to support and strengthen his community.
Ronnie Horner will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, love of family, and unwavering optimism. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the lessons he shared through example.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Davis Funeral Home in Canton, Mo. Pastor Dongjun Lee will officiate. Friends and Family are invited to Ronnie’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Davis Funeral Home in Canton, Mo.
Pallbearers: Drew Horner, Jay Barry, Jack Barry, Matthew Barry, Darin Winters, John Ludwig, and Tom Hung. Honorary pallbearers: Hannah Horner, Lyndsey Horner, Austin Horner, Avery Horner, and all of Ronnie’s many circles of friends through camping, golfing, farming, and the band.
Burial with full Military Honors performed by Otto-Bruner Post 170 of the American Legion will follow at Bluff Springs Cemetery near Canton, Mo.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bluff Springs Cemetery Operating Fund, Immanuel United Methodist Church, or River Valley Community Course.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home in Canton, Mo.