Von Albert Honzell relocated to his heavenly home on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, at the age of 94. He lived in Wylie, Texas, for the past 48 years. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, veteran and man of faith, Von lived a life of humility, strength and steadfast service to others.

Von was born in Dublin, Texas, to Bishop and Susie Littlefield Honzell, and was raised in the farmlands of Pittsburg, Texas. He was the eldest of 14 children: six boys and eight girls. After graduating high school in 1948, Von moved to Fort Worth, where he met and married the love of his life, Loretta Ruth Young. They met in 1949 and married two years later in 1951. He was 19 and she was 17. Together, they were blessed with four children: Phyllis Ann, Karen Yvonne, David Bryan and Sara Beth.

Von served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1960, including active duty during the Korean War and subsequent years in the reserves. Drawing on his mechanical skill and natural leadership, his service reflected the same diligence and practical wisdom that would mark his entire life.

In 1972, Von and Loretta tragically lost their 17-year-old firstborn daughter, Phyllis Ann. Grief left its imprint. Yet their hope was anchored in Christ, echoing the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-19: “Do not grieve as those who have no hope.” They trusted deeply in the promise of reunion, which has now become reality.

Von faithfully served in five churches throughout his adult life: Fostepco Heights Baptist Church and Worth Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Central Baptist Church of Garland, First Baptist Church of Wylie, and The Bridge Community Fellowship of Lucas, Texas. Over the years, he served as a deacon, Sunday school superintendent and adult Bible teacher. His deep dedication to studying God’s Word is evidenced by a stack of his worn-out Bibles.

In his career, Von climbed the ranks at Santa Fe Trail Transportation, starting as a mechanic in Fort Worth and later becoming shop superintendent of operations after transferring to Dallas. Upon retirement, he returned to school and earned his real estate license, working with Jane Henry Coldwell Banker for 20 years before retiring from his second career.

Von was an avid reader and a self-taught man who approached every challenge with logic, frugality and wisdom. He was always working on a project or design—sometimes sketched on a dinner napkin or meticulously drawn on graph paper. He was a man with a plan. His family called on him often when tires went flat, leaks sprang or when electrical issues arose. He offered feedback freely (sometimes with a side of well-intended sarcasm). His good-natured approach often shrank elephant-sized problems into manageable, bite-sized pieces . . . usually at half the cost.

Von and Loretta were married just a few days shy of 62 years, before her rescue from ALS. Not only was he Loretta’s husband and friend, he was her teammate and caretaker. Von was the answer to a prayer Loretta had prayed since she was a little girl, a prayer she often mentioned. Though she had lost her ability to speak, she would frequently write to loved ones, “Von takes such good care of me,” a testament to their deep bond and his loving devotion.

Von was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Loretta; their daughter, Phyllis Ann; his brothers, Wilbert and Lon; and his sister, Ruth.

He is survived by his children: Karen Yvonne Stebbins (Marvin), David Bryan Honzell (Trish) and Sara Beth Chambers (David); grandchildren: Brett Strawn, Rachael Hermes (Chad), Zachary Honzell (Ashley), Holly Schultz (Chris), Seth Honzell, Haley Chambers, Nathan Honzell and Brook Chambers; and great-grandchildren: Ivy and Grant Hermes, Von Wyatt, Lauren and Caleb Honzell, James and Sara Schultz, and Loretta and Eleanor Honzell. He is also survived by his siblings Martha, Jeanette, James, Ann, Margaret, Nelda, Mary, Barbara, B.C. and Clen.

His life will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at the Friendship Baptist Church, located at 270 Country Club Road, Fairview, TX 75069. The family will receive guests from 10 to 10:45 a.m., with the service beginning at 11 a.m., officiated by Dr. Al Draper. A family graveside service will follow at 5 p.m. at the Willow Oak Cemetery in Gilmer, Texas, officiated by grandson Zachary Honzell, pastor of First Baptist Church, Alto, Texas.

A livestream of the service is planned to be made available for those unable to attend in person: youtube.com/live/HPMI-eoTvVE

Should anyone desire, the family kindly asks that donations be made to one of the following:

The Bridge Community Fellowship (Von’s church)

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1762, Wylie, TX 75098

(or via Zelle, using recipient: [email protected])

ALS Association

als.org/get-involved/ways-give (in memory of Loretta Honzell under the Make a Tribute Gift section)