Horace “Munson” Hallums, Jr.: A ‘Willie Nelson-type of free-living cowboy’

This section includes announcements of important events in our lives–births, graduations, engagements, marriages, and deaths. If you want to share an event with your community, please send a photo and a written piece to [email protected].

Horace “Munson” Hallums Jr. entered this world on October 26,1946 and was born to his parents Munson & Bessie Hallums in Chicago, IL. He grew up in a loving family home with three sisters. In Chicago he went to work at his first job in a local old-time pharmacy and delivered pizzas from one of the best Chicago Pizza deep-dish pizza places. He then enlisted in the Air Force where he relished the exciting lift-offs & landings of Air Force jets and was tasked with recording it all with video and at the time, still cameras – which later blossomed into his great love of movie making. During that time, film was exclusively used in the Air Force which later helped to develop his love of videography. He then went to work in the insurance industry for a stint which didn’t suit him. The exciting living got going when he moved the love of his life, Sara, to California to pursue movie making for a short time in Los Angeles, CA. This turned into the couple buying Northern California land for off-grid living. Munson eventually ended up doing automotive mechanic work for several years with one of his best friends, George Harlander at Harlander Enterprises in Redway, CA.

In 1974 his family settled in the remote area of Ettersburg, CA to live off the land. They learned homesteading over time and made a home on heavily forested land, settled amongst plenty of Douglas firs and bright red madrone trees with beautiful, babbling natural springs. The family enjoyed fresh food from the vegetable garden and raised their two children, Robert and Christina, the best they could from the moment they set foot in the great outdoors. During the 80’s and up until the 2000’s, Munson also performed in quite a few local plays at the Redwood Playhouse. There were lots of challenges over the years, but Munson & Sara were a tough couple, so their love & marriage survived all the challenges. When their children were adults, they enjoyed their five granddaughters while Munson was an auto mechanic, and his wife, Sara, was the Ettersburg School Cook and eventually a beloved Redway Massage Therapist.

Munson was a man of honor and principles whose handshake meant everything. He chose his friends carefully and enjoyed those friendships for his whole life. He built his own home, refurbished and painted many vehicles, and became a skilled homesteader who was called upon by friends to help with milling lumber, building & setting up structures, and giving out mechanical advice. He enjoyed watching movies, drinking great beer, working those tough New York Times Sunday puzzles, loving his animals, and BBQing and cooking delicious meals for the entire family.

Munson was an independent spirit who lived life on his terms. After exiting the city life, he grew his hair long in a ponytail, wore his cowboy boots daily into town, and a scorpion belt buckle all while listening loudly to the music of Hank Williams Jr. & Waylon Jennings. He was that Willie Nelson-type of free-living cowboy. He had a love of country, rock, and classic golden oldies music, nicely painted fast cars, and beautiful women.

It was in July of 2004 that the family’s world changed, and Munson had to carry on alone without his companion of 33 years, after the death of his wife, Sara, to breast cancer which she had fought for over five years. This very much disjointed the entire family, but Munson found a new purpose in giving back to his community through keeping busy with his videography – recording local plays, band gigs, and youth talent shows such as the Recycled Youth at the Mateel Community Center and Redwood Playhouse. He was seen frequently, with video camera in hand, at the Summer Arts Festival, the Mateel Community Center, and the Redwood Players Playhouse in Garberville. He was passionate about preserving the community memories & talent on tape. Quite a few of those videos can still be found on his Horace Hallums Youtube channel.

Munson was proceeded in death: his wife, Sara Hallums; parents, Horace Munson Hallums Sr. & Bess Hallums; Uncle, Bud Kishbaugh; Grandmother, Edna Kishbaugh; Uncles, Snooky, Bill, and Bud; Aunt, Rene and little sister, Virginia Hallums.

He is survived by: His daughter, Christina Gallagher; Son, Robert Gallagher; Sisters; Janice & Tom Quillman of Illinois, Louise & Rick West of Illinois; Christine DeGraw of Illinois; Granddaughters, Kasandra Clark (Gary), Alana Gallagher (Brandon), Camelia Gallagher, Tara Gallagher, and Vanessa Gallagher (Keenan); Niece, Katie DeGraw, and Nephew, Steve DeGraw.

Munson kept in touch with his daughter, Christina, and with his incredible Ettersburg neighbors. They all worked together in the rugged country region. Tragically on a late summer night of June, 17, he perished in an extremely hot house fire which left absolutely nothing of the homestead in the quaint woods.

Munson will be missed dearly by his children, granddaughters, SoHum community and friends. He was a solid man who did his best in this life. He was committed to family and keeping the U.S. a free country with a critical-thinking citizenry.

All friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at The Mateel Community Center on October 30, 2022 at 5 pm. Memorial contributions can be made by contacting his daughter, Christina Gallagher.

 

The family extends the utmost thanks to Telegraph Ridge Fire Department, Briceland Fire Department, Redway Fire Department, and Cal Fire.