Wilma and Karen. I met Homer soon after moving to Yelm. He hired me to do repairs around the market. Homer was a good man who i have much respect for. He always had time to chat and always something interesting to talk about. I will miss him. My thoughts are with you both

Wilma & Karen, We were so saddened to hear about Junior. We are sending our love & prayers to you both. We enjoyed our visit so much last summer. We will continue to keep you in our prayers...take care of yourselves. Love, Donna & William Covey

I made Rainier my town of choice since moving to WA in 1989. Always shopped at Rainier Market, not only to suport to my new town, but loved the "home-town" feeling that Homer & Wilma presented.

Unfortuately, since Homer sold the market...Well it just isn't the same, and I find that I don't go there anymore.

My sincere sympathy to you Wilma, for I saw what a great love & partnership you and Homer had.

Nancy Bronner

Wilma and Karen...

I will forever remember Homers wonderful smile and laugh!
May your memories comfort you at this time...
May God Bless you ...

In 1999, I started a small vending route business in Rainer, WA where I was living at the time. I’ll never forget the day when I approached Homer about setting up my very first machine, a 5-ft spiral gumball machine, at the Rainier Market. I nervously walked into the back where he kept his humble office and I pitched him my idea- I would set up, service, and maintain my gumball machine at the entrance to the market and give

In 1999, I started a small vending route business in Rainer, WA where I was living at the time. I’ll never forget the day when I approached Homer about setting up my very first machine, a 5-ft spiral gumball machine, at the Rainier Market. I nervously walked into the back where he kept his humble office and I pitched him my idea- I would set up, service, and maintain my gumball machine at the entrance to the market and give him 25% of my sales each month. After pondering for a moment, and to my utter astonishment, he smiled and accepted my proposal. I was elated. I set up my gumball machine the very next day and anxiously awaited the results. I would eagerly go back to the market every couple of days to see if there was a noticeable change in the level of gumballs in the globe. First month’s sales: $38. I gratefully cut Homer a check for his share and he gladly accepted. After setting up my first machine at Homer’s, I hit the road and approached countless businesses about setting up machines in their lobbies. Many, many doors were slammed in my face. But after six months of persistence, I secured over 25 locations throughout western Washington. That little vending route was the beginning of a long and successful career for me in the vending industry, culminating in the development of Gumballs.com, a highly successful website that I launched in the summer of 2001. I don’t think he ever knew it, but Homer was a part of a really amazing journey for me and, for that, I am eternally grateful. He said ‘yes’ when it was far too easy to say ‘no’, as so many had done. I still have that very first gumball machine- it sits in my office as a reminder of my early business and it’s humble beginnings. And now, it also serves as a reminder of a kind man who helped support a kid with a big dream.

Thank you, Homer. I’ll never forget you.

I will always remember the laughs Homer, Wilma, and my family(Rich, Lori, Richelle, and Me David) Shared around the table just days before my current deployment to Iraq. The last thing I wanted befor leaving was a Huckleberry pie and Vanilla Ice Cream. We took them over to share with Homer and Wilma! Wilma as always greating with that big smile and Homer with the firm hand shake and hug.
I was able to call and speak with him for a

I will always remember the laughs Homer, Wilma, and my family(Rich, Lori, Richelle, and Me David) Shared around the table just days before my current deployment to Iraq. The last thing I wanted befor leaving was a Huckleberry pie and Vanilla Ice Cream. We took them over to share with Homer and Wilma! Wilma as always greating with that big smile and Homer with the firm hand shake and hug.
I was able to call and speak with him for a few minutes two days before he passed. I will always remember him reminding me to come home safe and that he was proud of me. I'll miss you Homer!!
Can't wait to come see you Wilma and have some more pie and Ice Cream! Lots of Loves and prayers to you and the family.

Oh, Dearest Homer... yesterday I passed by the Rainier Market and out of habit I looked up to see what was written on the board. It was a farewell to you. Right away, I felt a painful pinch in my heart, for I knew that this time it was not the jokes that your employees placed about you every so often... this time it was a farewell to a fellow soul who made a difference to so many of us!

Oh, Dearest Homer... yesterday I passed by the Rainier Market and out of habit I looked up to see what was written on the board. It was a farewell to you. Right away, I felt a painful pinch in my heart, for I knew that this time it was not the jokes that your employees placed about you every so often... this time it was a farewell to a fellow soul who made a difference to so many of us!
Dear, dear, sweet Homer! I will never forget you, oh dear soul! You have demonstrated to me the highest quality of goodness that any human being strives to become... always ready to help, always gives the best, always offering a helping hand... and all done with a sweet smile on your face... as if you were shy to show your goodness.
Dear Homer, I will never forget you!!! This day, I celebrate your life and I thank God for sending you to help me when I needed it the most!!!
Bless your journey dearest Homer!!! I LOVE YOU!

Rest in Peace Homer. I will miss you always.

Pam Leal (Edgington)

Homer, I will really miss you. You and Wilma both touched my life more ways then I can even put into words. You both gave me a job and helped me to be part of the person I am today. Rest in peace with the angels in heaven Homer. I love you Wilma. Please email me if you need anything or ever just want to talk. pamoraa@comcast.net Love always, Pam Leal (Edgington)

Wilma my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. My daughter Pam worked at your store in Rainier before you sold it. She enjoyed the time that she spent with you and Homer. God Bless, Anita