Ralph Horst
November 16, 1925 — November 17, 2010
Ralph E. Horst, 85, of Lebanon, passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Hospital.
He was born on Monday, November 16, 1925 to the late Harry Long Horst and Mary B. Horst nee Smith in W. Cocalico Twp. He was a member of First Evangelical Congregational Church and was a veteran of the Army in World War II. He was married to his wife on June 6, 1953 and built his home and lived there for 55 years. He attended S. Lebanon High School and was a carpenter by trade. He retired from Navy Depot Ships Parts Control Center in Mechanicsburg and retired after 31 years of Federal Service. He was an honor guard commander with the VFW Post #23 for 35 years, with a total of 7000 funerals served. He was a recipient of the Jefferson Award in 1998 and received American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippines Liberation ribbon and WWII Victory Medal. In 1953, he helped to build a cabin in Tioga County where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ralph was also a member of the Friendship Fire Company.
Surviving are wife Catharine R. Horst nee Smith, Lebanon; daughters Shirley A. spouse of Robert A. Long, Myerstown, Debra K. spouse of Michael E. Smith, Lebanon, Susan M. Horst, Lebanon, Darlene M. spouse of James D. Cramer, Myerstown; grandchildren Leroy L. Horst, Rebekah L. Smith, Daniel A. Smith, Samuel A. Smith, Matthew J. Cramer; several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Genevieve Horst. He was preceded in death by sisters Mary J. Hertzog, Betty M. Meily, Earla S. Gordon; brother John H. Horst.
Viewing will be on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Christman''s Funeral Home, Inc., 226 Cumberland Street, Lebanon.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.
Burial will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post #23 Honor Guard, 718 Chestnut Street, Lebanon, PA 17042.
Christman''s Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve the family with the arrangements.
www.christmansfuneralhome.com