Francis M. "Bud" Horning, Jr. age 80 of Mendon, died Thursday. Oct. 31, 2019 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born in Sturgis, MI on Oct. 12, 1939 the son of Francis M. and Anna Mae (Kreider) Horning and was a lifetime resident of the area. Bud graduated from Sturgis High School in 1957 and took his Tool & Die apprenticeship at the Kirsch Company. He worked at the Haas Corporation in Mendon for many years and later at Ronningen Research & Development in Vicksburg before establishing his own business. He was a 4-H Leader for the Town & Country Riders Saddle Club. He served as a Boy Scout Leader with the Venture Scouts and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. Following his retirement, he enjoyed woodworking, reading and spending time with his grandchildren.

Bud was married to Dagne K. Custard on July 25, 1964 in Mendon. She survives along with a son, Ben Horning of Vicksburg; two grandchildren, Kenzie and Brady Horning; sister, Janet DeYoung of Ft. Collins, CO; two brothers, Ron Horning of Tomball, TX and Norman Horning of Sturgis; brother in law, Terry Poffenberger of Kalamazoo; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Patricia Mosher and Susan Poffenberger; and daughter in law, Michelle Horning.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Monday, Nov. 25, 2019 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. No formal service is planned. It is suggested that memorial donations be directed to either the Animal Rescue Fund, or to the St. Joseph County 4-H Youth Program. Condolences may be expressed to his family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com