Florida Catholic | Obituary :: Deacon Paul Honer

OBITUARY

Deacon Paul Honer, 75

Published: 06.06.08

Let Us Pray

Absolve, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant Deacon Paul Honer, from every bond of sin, that being raised in the glory of the resurrection, he may be refreshed among the Saints and Elect. We pray through Christ our Lord.
Amen

PENSACOLA | Deacon Paul Honer, 75, died May 17 at his home in Pensacola following a long illness.

Ordained to the permanent diaconate in 1979 for the Diocese of Trenton, N.J., Deacon Honer had served at St. Thomas More Parish since 2001. Following his ordination, he also served in the dioceses of Tulsa, Okla.; Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Mo.; and Little Rock, Ark., as he relocated for his work.

Deacon Honer is survived by Ruthann, his wife of 45 years; his son David; and his grandchildren Cory, Rutger, Jasmine, Katelin and Gretchen. He was preceded in death by his son Paul Jr.

Remembered as a simple man with an intelligent and complex mind, Deacon Honer was characterized as always putting faith and family first.

Son David recalled riding on his father’s shoulders while learning to swim. “His shoulders were as strong as his spirit was fierce. He bore his burdens with patience, up to the heaviest weight of all – one son’s death.”

Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, said, “Deacon Honer was a truly dedicated deacon whose love for the diaconate and for service to the church was evident in his unflinching willingness to serve even when it was very difficult for him to do so because of his illness. He suffered a great deal during his illness. In his suffering he served as an example of patience and cheerfulness, thus ministering to all of us as a deacon.

“He was very close to his wife of 45 years; there was a bond between them that was a joy to see,” the bishop continued. “I will pray for Ruthann that God may give her the courage to bear his loss. I pray that she will know that we stand with her now and for the months and years to come.”

Msgr. John Cassidy, pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, presided at the Mass of Christian Burial May 21. Priests of the diocese concelebrated, assisted by deacons Jerry Williamson and Gene Pallone, and additional deacons. Burial followed in Barrancas National Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial donations may be directed to St. Thomas More Parish, 510 Bayshore Drive, Pensacola, FL 32507.

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OBITUARY

Deacon Paul Honer, 75

Let Us Pray

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