Columbia-area business leaders and the REDI board of directors are praising the legacy of former Boone County commissioner David Horner, who died in August at the age of 101.

Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) president Stacey Button says Mr. Horner focused on economic development.

“Back in 1988 in his role as a Boone County commissioner, he was one of the five founding members of REDI. And so it was important to us to honor him today and the service to the community,” Button says.

Horner served on the Boone County commission from 1985 to 1988, and he helped lead the successful bond issue to fund a new Boone County Courthouse and jail. They’re still in use today.

Ms. Button tells 939 the Eagle that it was important for REDI to honor him at the meeting.

“Obviously really engaged in economic development for the region … but he brought just tremendous community pride in everything that he did and touched,” says Button.

Mr. Horner’s obituary notes he and his late wife Win worked to establish the first integrated school in Missouri, which was New Haven R-2 in Boone County. He later served as a Boone Hospital trustee.