Vernon Hornell

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Arthur Vernon Hornell, who left this world on August 16, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on December 14, 1936, in Canton, Ohio, Vernon was the beloved son of the late Erick Arthur and Bernice Eleanor Hornell (nee Jaggi). Vernon grew up in Mansfield, Texas where- according to him- he was a both a football and a track legend. According to his friend, he actually scored 8 touchdowns in 1 game. His friend felt so bad for the other team, he wanted to switch uniforms and help them out. Dad always said he wanted to live to be 88- his football number- which he actually surpassed. He had an opportunity to run track at A&M, but decided to decline the offer when he realized they didn't allow girls to attend the college. Vernon was a devoted husband to Joni Claudene Sims until her untimely death in 1966. They had 2 children together. He became a devoted husband again in August 1968 when he married his beloved wife, Sondra Dian Willis. She had 1 daughter and together the five of them created a family. Vernon was very proud that he and Dian had 55 years together until her passing in 2023. Vernon was also predeceased by his brother, Bruce Hornell. And last but not least, his beloved dog Jackie. He is survived by his loving children: Arthur Hornell and wife Lisa of Amarillo, Texas, Tammy Beck and husband David of Ft. Worth, and Roni Campoli and husband Mike of Weatherford, Texas. He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren and great-grandfather to nine . Vernon also leaves behind his cherished siblings, sister Mary Grace Hornell and brother Erick Hornell. Vernon proudly served his country in the Army for two years during peace time. Despite many good memories of that time, the army apparently served a lot of scrambled eggs. He refused to eat them ever again and never tired of telling us why. After his military service, he became a salesman with Great American Reserve Insurance Agency. He became a good salesman despite his inability to remember names. He kept a cheat sheet for each of his customers and referred to it right before he would walk in their offices. He eventually started his own business, the Vernon Hornell Insurance Agency, where he worked diligently until his well-deserved retirement. After retirement, he could usually be found on the golf course at De Cordova Bend or fishing in Lake Granbury. He loved organizing his weekly golf group as well as all other aspects of living in DeCordova Bend. A self-proclaimed smart alec, he loved making people laugh. Vernon and Dian were long time members of Acton United Methodist Church. Vernon was also a respected member of his community, serving as a Master Mason in good standing with the Grand Lodge of Texas, Granbury Texas No. 392. In honor of Vernon’s memory, donations can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, an organization he felt led to support for many years. The Hornell family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his favorite caregivers, Sara and Sam at Avir in Weatherford, for their compassionate care and support. As we bid farewell to Vernon, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. His legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.