Palamon William Hornung

Palamon William Hornung went to be with the Lord on October 13th, 2022. He was born on May 9, 1937, in Spearville, Kansas to Edith Augusta (Kasselmann) Hornung and Swidbert Anthony Hornung in the Dr. Spear’s Maternity Home. He was the oldest of four children, Palamon, Albert, Joyce, and Kenneth. Palamon, being an unusual name, often had to explain where he got it. His father, Swede, named him after a good friend he met while at Seminary. He became known as “Pal” In his early years, Pal’s family farmed in the Windhorst/Spearville area. In 1943 Swede and Edith packed up the family and moved to Eastern Colorado, settling in Stratton. Pal began his education at St Charles Academy and graduated from Stratton High in 1955. Pal truly enjoyed sports, he played football, basketball, baseball, and track. After graduation from high school, Pal worked as a “Roustabout” in the oil fields before entering the Colorado School of Mines in the Fall. He attended the School of Mines for only one year, deciding engineering wasn’t in the cards. After a short stint working construction projects at the new Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, he joined his brother Al at Colorado State University. He majored in Agricultural Economics and pledged to Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity where they both graduated in 1961. While at CSU, Pal met his wife, Shirley Irene Andrews. They were married in 1960 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ft Collins, CO. Not long after their first son, Stanley Byron was born. After graduation, Pal was accepted to Graduate School in the College of Agriculture. His Master’s Degree was permanently interrupted when his dad suffered a heart attack in 1962. Pal returned to Stratton to help Swede and Edith manage the family farm and ranch. Daughter, Whitney Anne was born in 1963. In 1965, Pal and Shirley moved to Des Moines, IA. Pal worked for the ASC Office. He then joined the corporate world and went to work for Massey Ferguson. In 1966, Susan Lynn was born. In 1970, John Robert became the last addition to the family. Soon after, Pal moved the family to Portland, OR and went to work for the Omark Companies. In the summer of 1971, Pal and Shirley moved the family back to Colorado, with a short me spent in Colorado Springs. He returned to farming and ranching in partnership with his Mother Edith and other family members after the death of his father Swede. Pal supported his children in all endeavors. They were involved in sports, music, drama, 4-H, scouting, and much more. Having played so many sports himself, he encouraged his kids to participate and truly enjoyed watching them play and compete. This love of sports has carried on to his grandchildren. 1989 began with the devastating loss of their son John Robert. However, the end of the year came with the blessing of becoming grandparents. Over these next 10 years, twelve grandchildren were born. In 2001, the love of his life, Shirley Irene passed from a long battle with cancer. Pal was heartbroken. His answer was to get even more involved with his kids and grandchildren. In 2002 Pal and Jewell Anne Banister started dating and were married by the end of that year. This union added her children Diana, Marc, and two more grandchildren to the family. In 2004 Pal retired from Farming and Ranching. Travel became a part of Pal and Jewell’s life. They had adventures all over the US, including NY, with his brother Al and his wife Carla, Hawaii, and Alaska. They took trips to Italy, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. They also got to enjoy many of their grandkid’s youth activities, high school, and college events. Pal rarely missed a family event. Pal was a faithful and loving son and watched over his mother until her passing in 2011. Pal also loved his church, his community, and his chosen occupation, agriculture. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, a communion minister, active in town council, and the Soil Conservation District. He also volunteered with the prison fellowship, the Colorado Visitor Center, and sang in the choir at church. He is survived by his wife Jewell, his children, Stanley (Jennifer), Whitney (Brent), Susan, his stepchildren, Marc Banister (Karen), and Diana Banister, plus 14 Grandchildren, and at present 7 Great Grandchildren. In addition, Pal is survived by his brother Al (Carla), Joyce (Ron) Austin, and Ken (Susan). Services will be held in Stratton, Colorado at the St Charles Catholic Church. Viewing will begin at 6 pm on Friday with a Rosary to follow at 7 pm, a reception will follow at the St Charles Hall. The funeral will be Saturday October 22 at 10 a.m. with internment at the Calvary Cemetery, Pall will be buried next to his wife, Shirley, and son John. Lunch will be served directly after internment. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Pal’s name to the St Charles Catholic Church, P.O. Box 266, Stratton, CO 80836.