Homer E. Kolb, 78, husband of Clara (Moyer) Kolb of Phoenixville, went home to be with the Lord July 12th at Phoenixville Hospital. Born on September 15, 1930 in Spring City, he was the son of the late Jacob F. and Climena (Ehst) Kolb. He died of complications from cardiac surgery a few days earlier. Homer was a legendary innovator in the development of Ultralight and Experimental Aircraft. As a child, he would ride his bicycle 7 miles to Pottstown to watch the airplanes. Soon after he turned 16 he earned his pilot's license. He would later be credited by many with inventing the concept of an ultralight aircraft as he dreamed of an airplane that weighed less than its pilot. A committed Christian and practicing Mennonite, Homer served in Germany in the PAX program as a Conscientious Objector following WWII. He then married Clara Moyer of Telford. They purchased a farm in 1955, just a few miles downstream from his father's farm. He farmed during the day, drove a tractor trailer for UPS at night; but all the while he worked on successive aircraft designs - airplanes that had several chainsaw engines for propulsion and looked like nothing anyone had seen before. In 1980, Homer started the Kolb Company in his barn, manufacturing light aircraft kits and plans. Kolb Company became one of the largest kit aircraft companies in the world, stressing customer service and innovation. In 1994 he sold the company to his employees, and in 1999 it was moved to Kentucky where it flourishes today with Homer's designs. Homer was a charter member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, and was honored many times for his contributions to lightweight aircraft design and production. Among his awards was the Dr. August Raspet award for "outstanding contributions to the advancement of the design of light aircraft". In 1985 he received the Charles Lindberg award for Grand Champion Ultralight, and in 1999 he was one of the first three people inducted into the EAA Hall of Fame. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC has requested to display his first aircraft design. When Homer retired from active aircraft design, he began restoring antique John Deere tractors. His oldest tractor was a running 1919 Waterloo Boy which he enjoyed bringing to shows, though he restored many tractors to showroom condition. He was a member of the Waterloo Boys of Chester County and Bucks-Mont Two-Cylinder Antique Tractor Club. But he still worked on cutting-edge aircraft designs; he was close to completing an all electric-powered airplane, and had several other designs in the planning stage. Despite his worldwide acclaim and accomplishments, those who knew Homer were far more impressed with his humility and devotion to his family and church. His perspective of the church primarily focused on the -people- of the church; his unwavering energies and lifelong dedication welcomed, encouraged, and supported everyone whom he encountered, whether it be a first-time visitor or a member of many years. He was greatly devoted to his wife Clara and his greatest joy was his children and grandchildren, several of whom lived with him on his large farm in East Pikeland. In addition to his wife of 55 years, Homer is survived by daughter Christine and husband Dan Balmer of Telford, daughter Joan and husband Jim Kucharic of Phoenixville, son Marcus and wife Carol of Phoenixville, and grandchildren: Joshua, Jessica, Alisha and husband Aaron, Faith, Austin, Jordan, Chloe and Wesley. Also sister Ruth K. Essick of Pottstown and brother Wilmer E. and wife LaVon N. of Spring City. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Homer's life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 18 at Vincent Mennonite Church, 39 Seven Stars Rd, Spring City. Calling hours will be from 9-11 a.m. in the church. There will also be an informal time to greet the family on Friday, July 17 from 6-8 p.m. at the farm. In lieu of flowers and to continue Homer's passion for reaching the world (or people) with Christ through the local church and missions, memorial contributions can be made in his name to Vincent Mennonite Church Building Fund, 39 Seven Stars Rd, Spring City, PA 19475 or Jungle Aviation And Radio Service (JAARS) Inc, PO Box 248, Waxhaw, NC 28173.