Russell J. Horne, 97, of Williamsport, died Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the UPMC Williamsport Hospital, after a brief illness.
Born July 1, 1927, in Shamokin, during the height of the coal boom, he was the son of the late Bertha May and Howard Horne.
A member of the Greatest Generation, Russell was among the last living 1 percent of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II. His service to his country was a source of enduring pride for his entire life. He joined the United States Navy at age 17 and served on the U.S.S. Woodworth, a Benson-class destroyer stationed in the Pacific Ocean, from 1945 to 1947.
Upon return from active duty, Russell spent 33 years at Sears, Roebuck and Co. in Williamsport, where he retired as a retail catalog sales manager.
While never quite losing the dignified stoicism that came with a childhood in Central Pennsylvania during the Great Depression, Russell maintained a vibrant social life with his friends and family. He was an active member of the John F. Laedlein Masonic Lodge #707 for more than 50 years, achieving the rank of Past Master Mason and serving as a trustee. He owned a motorhome for decades, taking it on fishing trips to Canada and on hunting trips throughout Pennsylvania, earning him dozens of mounted antlers that he displayed in his living room above the many pictures of the people that he loved. He looked forward to Sunday dinners with his family, which he most recently enjoyed the week of his passing.
Russell is survived by two sons, Lonny J. Horne (Shelby Mulberger), of Trout Run, and Tracy V. Horne (Karen), of Linden; six grandchildren, Kevin (Jessica Tully), Ryan, and Meagan Horne, Tristin Bailey, Robbie (Jen) and Erica Mulberger (David Bohanick); a great-grandson, Carter Bohanick, and two great-granddaughters, Riley Mulberger and Kennedy Horne, who just turned five months old but had nonetheless become a primary source of her great-grandfather’s affection at the end of his life.
Russell was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Doris R. Horne, a daughter, Darri R. Bailey (David), and a son, Randy W. Horne.
A funeral service to honor the life of Russell will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond St., Williamsport, with pastor Rev. Brad Walmer, officiating. A viewing will be held prior from 11 a.m. until the time of service at Sanders Mortuary on Friday, January 24, 2025.
Private interment will be in the Montoursville Cemetery.
Russell was the oldest living member of New Covenant United Church of Christ until his passing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Russell’s name may be made to New Covenant United Church of Christ, 202 E. Third St., Williamsport, PA 17701.
Online condolences may be expressed on Russell’s memorial page at http://www.SandersMortuary.com
