By Nathan Eagle
The Cincinnati Enquirer

HAMILTON - Vernon E. Hornung, 93, who worked at Hornung Brothers Meats here for nearly half a century, died Friday at Hospice of Hamilton.

Mr. Hornung was well-known and well-liked as proprietor of the meat market, where he worked from 1925 until the 1970s.

"Everyone remembers his meat market because it was a family business," said his niece, Robyn Beck. "The newlyweds would come in and not know how to cook the meat. He'd help them. Tell them how to prepare it. It was a family affair."

Mr. Hornung was born Aug. 6, 1910, in Dunlap, to Lewis and Eva Mae (Wilpers) Hornung. He grew up working with his older brother, Mark, and their father, a butcher, peddling meat door-to-door off the back of a mule-drawn wagon. In 1925, Mr. Hornung began work at the store Mark opened in Lindenwald.

In 1930, he married Claire Jane Johnston of Lindenwald, and they lived in the community for most of their married life. The couple had no children, but thought of their niece and nephew, Robyn McNutt Beck and Randy McNutt, as their own. His wife died in 1994.

"He was a loving uncle, much more like a father to me and my brother than an uncle," Beck said. "He didn't get older, he just got better."

Mr. Hornung was a great storyteller, and often shared memories on his front porch.

"My brother and I say that he was a walking history book," Beck said. "He knew everything about the area, and never forgot anyone."

Mr. Hornung was a proud World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He also tended a bountiful garden, bowled, fished and was the oldest active member of the Lindenwald United Methodist Church.

"He grew dahlias the size of dinner plates. Everyone wanted to know his secret," Beck said. "Even after hip and knee replacements, he was out on his hands and knees digging up bulbs."

Other survivors include two brothers, Mark and Waldo Emerson Hornung; and many other nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 7 p.m. Thursday at the Lindenwald United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until time of the service at the church. The Rev. Barry Burns and the Rev. Edwin Beck will officiate.

Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Rose Hill Burial Park. Zettler Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Memorials: Lindenwald United Methodist Church, 3501 Pleasant Ave., Hamilton, OH 45015.