Gilbert Michael Horner

Mike was born in New Martinsville, WV on May 3, 1952 to Gilbert P. and Maxine Horner. He developed a love of learning in the Wetzel County school system which continued at West Virginia University earning dual degrees in Biology and Chemistry. We could make a Country Roads reference here, but he would call that pedantic and unnecessary, so I’ll just say LET’S GO … MOUNTAINEERS!

Mike embodied the values of loyalty and service to others. He spent all forty-one years of his professional career at Bayer MaterialScience outlasting at least a handful of corporate name changes. Through Love Network, Mike supported his community to ensure that the residents of Baytown, Texas had opportunity to overcome financial hardship. Mike valued the public education system and could frequently be found at school completing odd jobs or dropping off supplies to make sure the kids had what they needed to be successful. Though his career as a politician was brief, he could often be found reading about the political history of America and was religiously tuned into the evening news.

Above all, Mike was devoted to his family. He will be remembered and truly missed by his wife of forty-one years, JoAn and daughters Betsy and Allison. Fondly remembered will be the daily phone calls with his sister, Theresa and husband Lewis. His connection to his family extended far past the immediate including sons-in-law Lucas and Tommy; brothers-in-law Bill and Bob; sister-in-law Ginny; nephews Jim and Derek and niece Julie.

A private service will be held with family at a later date. Donations in the memory of Mike’s servitude can be made to Love Network (Baytown, Texas) or MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.navarrefuneralhome.com for the Horner family.