Ronald Frank Hornsby

Ronald Frank Hornsby, 85, was born Aug 13, 1919 in Buffalo, New York. He was the youngest child of Percy Rix Hornsby and Mary Eliza Galley. Being the baby, he was adored all of his life by two sisters, Rix and Rhoda and one brother, Richard. They all preceded him in death. Ron grew up in western New York and never strayed far until he joined the Navy in 1937. This began a great adventure in his life, seeing most of the South Pacific from the deck of a battleship. In June of 1942 the USS North Carolina was commissioned and Ron was a ?plank owner? among those of the first crew. Although he did not talk much about his war experiences, he took great pride in his service and his time on the USSNC and enjoyed a 50 and 60 year reunion with old crew members. In 1944 while on shore leave in San Francisco, he met Lucia Berglund, and after one week of dating and two years of war correspondence, he traveled to Salt Lake City to propose marriage. They were married in Buffalo, New York on June 4, 1944 and later sealed in the Logan Temple in August 1963. Ron finished his Navy career in 1945 and they returned to Salt Lake City. Ron and Lucia both worked hard while Ron attended the University of Utah, graduating in 1951. Graybar Electric was his first real career opportunity, and Lucia was able to stay home and raise the children. They also owned a janitorial supply service, Hornsby Service Company. In 1956 Ron started his sales career at Mt. Fuel Supply Company, which brought the family to Logan, Utah. After 15 years at the Logan office, he was transferred to Ogden and Ron and Lucia lived in North Ogden until 1997, when they decided to return to Cache Valley. Ron loved to work. He enjoyed his yard and garden, working on the church farms, and helping his kids with any kind of construction projects. He served many friends in a quiet way and never expected repayment. He belonged to the Kiwanis Club and the Exchange Club of Ogden. Whenever asked what he wanted for Christmas, his standard reply was ?Five good kids.? He was devoted to his family and very proud of his children and we always knew that. Ron and Lucia adored their grandchildren and thought they were all so cute and so talented and so smart. His eternal companion Lucia, preceded him in death by 60 days. He is survived by five good kids: Sherrey and Ron Hults, El Dorado Hills, Ca.; Patty and Bill Grewe; Ronald R., Logan, Ut.; Richard and Kristie, Lake Oswego, Or.; and Nancy Hornsby, Ogden, Ut.; Daughter-in-law, Laurie Hornsby, Hyrum and Camille Neider, Ogden. 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Ron and Lucia spent their last few years together at Sunshine Terrace, where they were lovingly cared for. Our family truly appreciates the dedication and effort of everyone that served them at the Terrace, especially the nurses and aides on Wing 3, who tried to keep him comfortable and loved the last several months. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Monday, December 13 at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 East 400 North, Logan. Friends and family may call Sunday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m and Monday prior to services from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery with military honors. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the USS North Carolina in his name.
Send to: Battleship North Carolina Memorial, P.O. Box 480, Wilmington, NC, 28402.