Eldon Horney

Eldon L. Horney, 82, of Clarks Hill, IN. died at Indiana University Health, Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, IN. Tuesday October 1, 2013. Eldon was born in Crawfordsville, IN. August 21, 1931, the son of the late Haven P. and Hazel E. Nydegger Horney, and grew up in Sugar Creek Township in Montgomery County, IN. He graduated from Bowers High School in 1949, and attended Purdue University. Eldon farmed his entire life, and was a rural mail carrier for 22 years, retiring from the Clarks Hill office in 1986, having also served the Lafayette and Linden offices. He served on the board of directors of Kirkpatrick Grain Co.; was a high school basketball referee and baseball umpire for 22 years, working some sectional tourneys, and still liked watching college basketball on television. Eldon was an avid supporter of 4-H in beef, sheep and goat projects. He was a breeder and raised registered Suffolk and Hampshire Sheep for 45 years for his two sons, daughter and four grandchildren, which totaled up to 70 years in the 4-H program, showing many county, state and national champions. His son Garry and granddaughter Kristie Downham had four successive grand champion steers each in Tippecanoe County. Eldon displayed several grand champion wethers and ewes in Tippecanoe County, the Indiana State Fair, and national shows, including the Chicago International. He was host to judging teams from Oklahoma State University, University of Illinois and Purdue University with Dr. Roger Hundsley, Purdue livestock coach for many years, which scored high in many national contests. His memberships included the Indiana Farm Bureau, Rural Letter Carriers Association, American Legion Post 302 at Darlington, Montgomery County Sheep Association, Indiana Sheep Association and attended Linden United Methodist Church. Eldon served in the US Army from 1951 until 1953, with a year served in Korea. Eldon married Patricia A. Griffis June 18, 1951 in Darlington, IN. and she preceded him in death October 8, 2002. He later married C. Kayrene Hardin Shumaker May 17, 2003 in Malvern, AR. and she preceded him in death July 28. 2013. Surviving is a daughter, Shirley (Gerry) Downham of Lafayette, IN.; two sons Larry Harshman of Indianapolis, IN.; Garry Horney (wife Kandi) of Colfax, IN. and a brother David P. Horney (wife Carolyn) of Rockville, IN. Also surviving are three granddaughters, two grandsons and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Glen E. Horney and a sister, Lois Maxine Horney. Friends may call at the Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, Linden from 11:00 AM until the service at 1:00 PM Saturday. Rev. Dr. LaMont Bonath officiating, with interment in Yorktown Cemetery with American Legion graveside rites. If friends desire, memorials may be made to the Linden United Methodist Church or Tippecanoe County 4-H. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com.