William Francis Horner William Francis “Bill” Horner was born Feb. 23, 1934, in Linton, N.D., the son of George and Johanna (Lipp) Horner. He had four brothers and three sisters, loved sports, and was active in football, baseball and basketball. After high school, Bill joined the Army and was stationed in Germany from 1954-1956. Bill married Lucy Nagel, the love of his life, on June 30, 1958, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Linton, N.D. They moved west to Spokane, Wash., so Bill could finish telegraphy training for the BNSF Railroad. In 1959, Lucy and Bill moved to Winslow where he began his 40-year career with the railroad. In Winslow, he and Lucy started their family. They were blessed with one son Craig Horner, deceased; and two daughters, Cheryl (Eddie) Kirkland and Cristine (Allen) Johnson. Bill spent hours at the local baseball fields coaching kids in little league and softball. Bill retired in 1996 as a BNSF Railroad conductor. He and Lucy moved to Sun City West in 1998 and began a new life of active retirement. Bill volunteered wherever he was needed. He was a member of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department Posse for almost 16 years and an active member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. He passed away on Jan. 3, 2021, surrounded by those he loved. He is survived by his sweetheart, Lucy, wife of 63 year, his two daughters, 10 grandkids, nine great-grandkids and three brothers: John (Virginia), Jim (Del), Dennis (Sally) and sister-in-law Johanna Horner. Bill will be sorely missed, but his family finds peace in knowing that they will see him again someday. A celebration of Bill Horner’s life will be held at a later date.
