Norman Ray Homan

Norm was born in Fruitland, Idaho on May 12, 1925, the eldest son of Elma (Cramer) and Francis Homan. He grew up in Idaho during the Great Depression, finished high school, and joined the Army Air Corp. Norm proudly fought for his country during World War II. Staff Sergeant Homan was stationed in England and served in the gunnery crew on a B-17 Bomber. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

In 1946, Norm moved to Colorado to study at Colorado State College of Agricultural & Mechanic Arts, now CSU. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in 1950, and then his Master's in 1960. By that time, the college had become Colorado State University. Norm took a faculty position with the CSU Animal Reproduction Lab and was a pioneer in the artificial insemination of cattle. During his career, he was an agricultural scientist working in research, an instructor, and an agent in the extension services, working with farmers to facilitate better quality reproduction through artificial insemination of their dairy cows.

Shortly after his enlistment in 1943, Norm met Ora "June" Beauchamp at a German pastry shop on the military base where he was stationed. The two fell in love and married later that year in Rapid City, South Dakota. Norm and June were blessed with two children, Ray and Lucy. They remained in Fort Collins and had celebrated nearly 30 years of marriage at the time of June's passing in 1973. He later married Thelma Lee Metz in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 1979. Thelma passed away in 2022.

Norm was a member of the DAV and the American Legion George Beach Post 4 in Fort Collins. He was also a former longtime member of the American Dairy Association. He was a good man who worked hard all his life. Norm was a man of integrity who stood up for what was right, and for those who couldn't stand up for themselves. He was known in these latter years as a true gentleman. He enjoyed time spent at his cabin in Red Feather and fishing with the grandkids. He took great pride in having the best lawn in the neighborhood, knowing no limits to the amount of manure used to achieve it.

At the age of 99, Norm had outlived most of the folks he knew. Those that remain will miss him dearly. He is survived by his son Ray Homan (Elaine), and daughter Lucy Homan; grandsons, Quin Johnson (Becky), and Michael Homan; stepsons Michael Ballinger, Dale Ballinger (Linda), Patrick Ballinger (DeeAnn), and Sam Ballinger; and by his sister-in-law, Doris Homan. He is further preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers, Donald (Raejean), Merrill (Marta), Marion (Betty), and Hugh; as well as many dear friends.

Services will be held for Norm on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Resthaven Funeral Home & Memory Gardens in Fort Collins. Those that wish to view and say their final goodbyes may do so beginning at 12pm and Norm's Funeral Service will begin at 1pm. Graveside Service and Burial to follow. MIlitary Honors will be rendered.