EDWARD A. HOMME

Palmer resident, Edward Homme, 87, died peacefully April 24 in Palmer. He was born Aug. 29, 1921 in Dallas, Wis., to Alta and Steiner Homme, 1 of 15 children.

Growing up as a farm boy during the Depression, Ed developed a strong work ethic and learned a variety of skills that served him the rest of his life, including the ability to work with livestock and to build or fix just about anything. He also developed a great sense of humor.

Ed was proud of his Naval service aboard the USS Biloxi during World War II. During his service, his ship suffered a direct hit by a kamikaze pilot.

Ed came to Alaska in 1951, settling in Palmer, with plans to stay for a year. He never left.

In the 1950s he worked as a foreman on the Cherikof Island cattle ranch, as an assistant big-game guide, Hallea Lodge manager, farm hand, and milk-truck driver. In the 1960s and ‘70s he worked out of Laborer’s Union Local 341, serving 14 years as shop steward, where he earned his pension.

After his retirement in 1978, Ed enjoyed woodworking and caring for a large beautiful lawn and garden. Ed was a skilled fisherman and hunter. He built two homes and helped build his son’s and grandson’s homes as well. He enjoyed playing the guitar and wrote a number of songs.

Always active, Ed and his wife Sheila traveled the southwestern U.S. in their fifth-wheel trailer. He was a devoted, world-class grandfather. Although his interest in sports was limited, he never missed his grandsons’ baseball games or any other events. He was a man of long-standing faith. In his last years he faced a number of serious physical ailments with tremendous courage. He was a generous, honest man. He is already greatly missed.

Ed is survived by Sheila Homme, his wife of 51 years, his son and daughter-in-law Joe and Cheryl Homme, grandsons Derek and James Homme of Palmer, and son and daughter-in-law Jordon and Suzie Weekes of Austin, Texas, his brother Russell, and sisters Doris, Nora and Shirley.