Obituary of Horace S. Backer

Horace “Babe” S. Backer, age 84, of the Town of Ava, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at home with his loving family by his side.

Horace was born in Rome on September 14, 1940 to the late Stanley and Charlotte “Lottie” Lisowski Backer and educated in the Rome Schools. He began working at a young age on the family farm and then at Willard Backer’s saw mill. He also was a diesel mechanic for Sears Oil Company in Rome, helped with reforestation in Boonville for Oneida County, and did construction work for Delia. On September 15, 1962, he was united in marriage to the former Carol Ross in Rome.

Horace enjoyed hunting and playing baseball in his younger years. He also pitched for the Ava Reds softball team. He was an avid NASCAR fanatic and his favorite drivers were Dale Ernhardt Sr. and Jr., and Ryan Blaney. He was a hard worker and liked to take drives in his Camero with Carol and they would often go on coffee runs to Dunkin Donuts.

Horace is survived by his loving wife, Carol; daughter, JoAnn (Skip) Clark of Alabama; sons, Horace (Michelle) Backer Jr. of West Leyden, Greg (Nuri) Backer of Florida, and Eric Backer of Boonville; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters, Brenda Witzigman, Linda Underwood, and Lorraine Gardinier; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his feline companion, Lily. He was predeceased by two infant sons, Brian Keith and Jeffrey James; sister, Shirley Hunt; brother, Albert Backer; and brothers in law, Brian Underwood and Dick Witzigman.

Funeral services will be held on Friday October 25, 2024 at 2 PM at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Burial will be in Ava Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 12 to 2 PM prior to the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rome Humane Society.